This weekend’s fixtures…....at least what is scheduled!

Saturday

1sts v Howe of Fife BT Nat Div 2 (H) KO 2pm

2nds V Marr BT National Reserve League Div 2 (A) KO 2pm

Colts v tbc

Sunday

Micro and Mini Christmas Party 2pm in the Sports Centre. All welcome!

Story date: 14/12/2017

Christmas Countdown…....gift suggestions

Club News

It’s the Christmas countdown and if you haven’t already done so you should have a look at the stock of new and second hand sportswear available in the Club Shop. If there is nothing for you, a great Christmas present option might be tickets for Biggar’s Big Weekend in May (26th-27th 2018).

It promises to be another cracker with the Friendly Sevens scheduled for Saturday afternoon and followed on Sunday evening by The Red Hot Chilli Pipers who are now confirmed as the Sunday night attraction. Please see News for details of how to order your tickets.

Story date: 06/12/2017

U18 Scottish Schools Cup, Boys Youth East v West and Club News

ON Sunday many of the Clubs U18 girls were playing at Scotstoun in Glasgow, representing Biggar High in the Scottish Schools Cup Final.

Pitched against the Community School of Auchterarder the Biggar girls were not quite able to retain the trophy they won last year (when they defeated the same opponents).

Biggar ran out of numbers, their cause not helped as several players were unavailable prior to the match while there were three more injuries on the day, this leaving the side at just 14.

Pluckily though the remaining squad performed, they were not able to get back into the match and lost by 39-29.

This was a great match however and all involved – from both sides - can take great credit for the way in which they played.

Congratulations as well to all those players – present and former – who were part of the West team that defeated east on Sunday at the Orium.

Current 1st XV member Andrew Nimmo started the match. He was joined by Ross Jackson (now with Marr) while Andrew Jardine (now with Melrose) was on the bench.

The West side ran out convincing winners by 61-26.

Many thanks to all who supported the club on Friday at Late Night shopping and on Saturday at the Skippinish Concert. Both events were very successful and were enjoyed by all present.

A massive thank you to GY for his organisation throughout.

Story date: 30/11/2017

Mini Tournamant - results

Sunday dawned and with it Biggar’s Annual Mini tournament. With some 300+ players and attendant parents and supporters this is always a very busy day.

Very luckily the weather forecast which had all week suggested heavy rain for Sunday was not quite correct, the bulk of the games having finished just prior to the one and only downpour. This didn’t stop the event from being a great success and with some excellent rugby on show to boot.

The day is huge in all sorts of ways and the club owes a massive thank you to all those who helped in any way (too many to name individually, but all crucial to the success of today’s event).

Thanks then first and foremost to the players who played with spirit and endeavour all day long.

But also to....

Pam Tennant and her large, very welcome organising team and kitchen helpers/Hugh and Kev for lining the pitches/all those who helped collect cash and park cars/those who manned the tombola and tuck shop/GY on the bar/Nic Humphries band of referees (many of whom were taking their first steps into the officials world)/visiting coaches and teams/all other visitors/score-keeper Eric Shearer/D. M. Clarkson (Borderline Garage) for car-parking space... and of course to Mini Convenor Laura Watson who was in overall charge.

Special thank you also to our guests, Glasgow Warriors players Niko Matawalu and Brandon Thomson Special who both thoroughly enjoyed their day and making the most of their time posing happily for pictures and chatting with the mini players (and coaches!).

Also thanks to Aileen Campbell (Scottish Government Minister for Public Health and Sport and our Clydesdale MSP) and Alex Allison (our local councillor for Clydesdale East).

Results were as follows:

Runners-up Winners

P4 Boroughmuir East Kilbride

P5 Melrose Currie

P6 Biggar Stirling County

P7 Currie Stirling County

Story date: 07/09/2017

Biggar reps in Glasgow and West squad for BT Academy matches

BT Academy District seriesOn Sunday the BT Academy District programme came to its climax with matches for 3rd/4th, 1st/2nd places all taking part at BT Murrayfield. Biggar did not have representatives at U-16 age group but as has been the case for this series there was a host of players involved at U-18 and three at U-20.

The U-18 match for 3rd/4th spot saw Glasgow and the West take on Edinburgh. Biggar had 6 players in the starting line up with centre Andrew Jardine again Captain. Props Andrew Nimmo and Guy Kelly featured in the pack with scrum half Lohann Kotze, stand off Rory McGinn and centre Matthew Stewart completing the contingent. On the bench were hooker Jordan Gray and back row forward Lewis Stewart who have been part of the squad but not given game time, until this final match. All played well, contributing positively with both Gray and Lewis Stewart showing up well, the latter scoring ta crucial try which, when converted, earned Glasgow a 19-19 draw.

At U-20 level Glasgow took on Edinburgh for the final match. Ross Jackson had a great game at No 8, scoring a try while winger Peter Steele did well when he came off the bench. Peter has recently opted to leave Biggar for Glasgow Hawks and while the club is obviously disappointed to see him go, he goes with the club's best wishes for his time with his new club. Calum Braid, a recruit last season from Moffat but someone who is struggling to get time for play this season, also featured.

Coincidentally, three of the matches from the 6 played on Sunday saw the result hinging on the last kick of the match. Glasgow lost the 16's match by 26-24, missing the last kick of the game to tie the scores, the 18's drew their match with the last kick at 19-19 while the 20's lost out by 24-22. Nip and tuck all the way!

Biggar were given some welcome and generous publicity by stadium announcer Chris Cruise ( a Biggar lad of course), who, in his own inimitable style, read out the team sheet but only announcing Biggar players by their club or school!

Story date: 22/08/2016

Biggar Midis

Biggar RFC Midi section caters for those of high school age. We currently have teams in S1, S2, Under 15 and Under 16 age categories, as well as an Under 16 girls team. The gradual incorporation of full rugby union rules over the different age grades makes Midi rugby the perfect stepping stone for progression onto under 18s rugby and then to the senior game. U13s train on a Tuesday night at the club at 6.00pm. Other midi rugby teams train on a Wednesday night at the club at 6.45pm. If you would like to know more please contact Aird Jardine on 07917731494

Story date: 25/08/2011

Scotland U18 Training squad

Following on from the news of Guy Kelly and Andrew Jardines' involvement in the McPhail scholarship to South Africa comes news of 'our' South African Scot, Luhann Kotze.

Following on from recent performances at U18 level Colts scrum half Luhann has been selected by U18 coach Ian Monaghan to take part in a two day U18 camp at the end of this month. He is one of a 37-man squad which will be reduced in preparation for next year's competitions.

Once again Biggar RFC are both delighted and immensely proud of Luhann's achievements and wish him well at the camp.

Story date: 14/12/2017

Red Hot Chilli Pipers come to Hartree Mill

Red Hot Chilli Pipers: booked for Biggar RFC's Big Weekend 2

Biggar RFC are proud to present The Red Hot Chilli Pipers in concert at

The Marquee at Hartreemill

Sunday 27th May 2018

20:30 - 23:00 doors open at 19:00

Standing only with limited seating in bar area

Tickets £25 through Eventbrite

Click on the link below to order your tickets

Biggar Youth frustrate West

U16’s v West

A great 38 -0 win for the U16 boys against West of Scotland today at Hartree Mill. After a tight first 15 minutes the Biggar boys built on their excellent defence to wear down West in a really structured multi-phase game in attack and scored a number of hard worked tries. A super turnaround from the close fought match earlier in the season to run out convincing winners. One for the coaches to savour from the boys, but still lots of areas to work on and improve.

One more conference match left against Highland next week. So lots of hard work and focus in training this week and let's aim to turn that result around too ! Well done young Rams

U15’s

The U15s returned to winning ways with an entertaining 38 - 7 win against West today. After last weeks narrow, last minute loss to Ayr it was important to deliver a similarly physical performance which the boys did in spades. Missing numerous players this was a chance to try a few new combinations and for others to step up.

Its fair to say everyone of the team stepped up and delivered 110%. The support running regaining the levels seen earlier in the season. Well done boys.

U14's: West of Scotland 4 points v Biggar 15 points.

The Under 14 boys returned from West after giving their best performance to date winning by 4 tries to 1. What is remarkable is that only 2 months ago they were well beaten by West at Biggar but such has been the improvement in these boys that dominated West all through the game on Sunday.

It was rewarding for the team to receive such positive feedback form the West coaches who could not believe the improvement in the Biggar boys but also how they are well structured and motivated to work for each other.

Remember it was only August when we wondered if we would have a team as there was only 9 boys and now there is 20.

We have come together which is the beginning

We have keep together which is the progress and

We now work together which is success.

Right from the start the boys stuck to their game plan to subdue the West forwards who were bigger and stronger. Biggar's pack held them and this then allowed Calum McClemon to gain yardage and when ball was set the backs caused damage and this they did especially wide out with Ben McBride.

However, for many periods of play Biggar had to defend Biggars defence was their attack and they showed all-round ability throughout the team to cause West issues everywhere.
Although this was a great team effort, notable performances came from:

In the backs, Ben McBride scoring 3 tries, two weeks in a row and Morris McDiarmid who was outstanding in both defence and attack. With the forwards Calum Mclemon continues to inspire the boys but his running lines tend to puzzle his own team mates when trying to follow him. Rory Hill and Tom Roper put in awesome performances in tackling which really stopped West getting any momentum up in the game.

Scorers

Ben McBride - 3 tries

Calum McLemon - 1 try

Finlay Crozier converted 3 of the 4 conversions.

Story date: 06/12/2017

‘Colts five of the best, enough to dispatch West’

West of Scotland U18 25 - Biggar Colts 31

'Colts five of the best, enough to dispatch West'

Put simply, the win was unremarkable but the game was infinitely watchable.

Forget the competitive scoreline. It wasn't the end-to-end, tit-for-tat contest that could go any way. Biggar Colts pulled something out the bag with five tries to secure their mid-table position.

They had to because things were not looking good at half-time.

It wasn't the best first-half we've seen from a Colts side but it was certainly on the podium for the best second-half award. The two sides were relatively evenly matched but you felt that Biggar had slightly more flair. That's not to say that West lacked spark or endeavour, anything but. The hosts were always a threat.

There was a five or six minute spell in the second half though where Biggar well and truly pulled their hosts apart. It was like an all-you-can-eat-buffet....on a stopwatch. The problem with that is, you get indigestion and need to take a break before desert.

Finlay Stewart, who looked pretty secure all day, set the stall out early doors with an excellent run up the left wing. After being bumped into touch, West secured their line-out and cleared their lines. Colts won a scrum in open play soon after. A line break by Orr from the set piece, offload to Kotze, pop out to the supporting Rowan Stewart, run in from opposition 22m, score! Stewart converts. Easy! Only 3 minutes gone.

However, within the next 3 minutes West were Level through a well worked try. Strong phase play by the West pack broke the Biggar defence down and their hooker would be in for his first of two. It looked at that very early stage, with both sides pushing hard, that a cricket score was on the cards. Neither side was particularly structured and gaps were forming. West went on the march and Colts were found wanting on 12 minutes.

Poor line-out defence and again the hosts went over unopposed through their No.2. It was a soft try to give away. Biggar were caught napping and they knew it. The shot in the arm seemed to work for a time at least. In fact, to say that Finlay Barr's defensive performance was impressive is a bit of an understatement. Drew Brewster's attacking intent caught the eye too.

Colts were down to 14 men in the 16th minute when Cammy Snell mistimed his tackle on his opposite number as he collected a high ball. Snell was committed and it was quite an impact, in the air, but credit to the West recipient, he didn't complain and the Biggar player was remorseful but, by the letter of the law, the referee gave him 10 minutes on the naughty step to think about it. No complaints really.

West exploited the fact that Biggar heads went down and swiftly ploughed yet another furrow over their visitor's line to lead by 19 to 7. West were awarded a number of penalties for Biggar petulance and back-chat and were unlucky not to be further ahead after a missed attempt at the posts.

There was much puffing and blowing from the Biggar support wondering how the team were going to wriggle their way out of this one. But wriggle they did! In truth Biggar had all the chemicals in the pot. They just needed a catalyst to get the reaction going. It appeared to come in the form of Lewis Stewart. The back row forward was brought on in 24 minutes. Back from injury and hungry, he got things going, bringing momentum and support when it was needed most.

It allowed the centre axis of Stewart and Brewster to shine in the roles they were there to do without having to run headlong into West's physical defence all the time. They were almost over the line at the tail end of the first 35 but the half-time whistle halted progress.

With the reset button pressed for the start of the second half Biggar were a different team altogether. Exuberant, flamboyant and damn well committed. The Colts scored three in quick succession. 5 minutes in fact.

Each one as varied and exciting as the next. The first was the result of a quality driving maul from 10m. Luhann Kotze collected out of the back, saw the space and dived over for the first of his hat-trick. Kotze was on fire.

His line break from the West restart set the wheels in motion for Biggar's 3rd try. A full team effort with real momentum and quality phases saw the ball in Robbie Orr's hands. The West defence was drawn in and the fly-half launched his trademark wide pass right into the bread basket of Sam Wallis on the right wing who wasn't going to be stopped from 10m.

The fourth Biggar try was magical and a sheer delight to watch. Lewis Stewart collected the West kick-off, off loaded to Snell who drew the defence and took the ball into contact. The ball out the back of the ruck found Orr again. Excellent vision noticing the West defence had pushed up, he kicked in behind and Rowan Stewart was following up like a steam train and with a favourable bounce he collected well at pace and delivered the scoring pass for Kotze who scored in the left corner. 24-19 to Biggar.

The hits just kept on coming. Remember the indigestion? West bagged two penalties to go a single point ahead at 25-24. Charles Connolly got over excited and got a yellow card for a late tackle. Down to 14 men for the second time.

Biggar Colts showed real resilience though and hit back. As they moved up the right, pressure on the West defence led to a Biggar scrum on their 22m line. Kotze was sharp. He sniped round the blind, grubbered through the narrow gap, followed up and beat the scrambling West defence to touch down first. That was the scrum-half's third and Biggar's winner. Rowan Stewart nailed the desert/conversion from a tight angle and added the extras.

The final whistle came at the right time for Biggar because as much as they were on top in the latter stages West didn't want to let go. Don't think I could have managed cheese and biscuits anyway!! Highland next week. Last game of the Shogun League campaign. Enjoy.

Biggar swamp West

Biggar 62 West of Scotland 10

Biggar swarmed over a weakened West on Saturday to record 60+ points for the 3rd time this League campaign, albeit that in the wake of Aberdeenshire dropping out of the League, only two of these are still recorded.

A half time score of 31-5 was then doubled for the final tally, and this with at least another 4 scores having gone a-begging as balls were dropped when players were in scoring positions.

It was a hard day for the Glasgow side and there was some sympathy for at least two of their number, Angus Thomson and Andrew Goodall, both hailing from Biggar and both contributing manfully in what was a torrid afternoon for those in the red and yellow colours.

This win lifts Biggar to 4th spot in the League although as Hamilton who are in 6th spot have a game in hand and one they would expect to win as it is against bottom of the table Whitecraigs, they would jump ahead of Biggar.

But, and it is a BIG but, this Saturday’s match sees the two Lanarkshire sides pitted against each other at Laigh Bent in the first match of the return fixtures and so, the winner – whoever that is - will gain a big advantage over the other. Biggar recorded an excellent 24-17 home win in that first encounter and their away form has been very good with only one defeat and that to league leaders Kirkcaldy. Hamilton meanwhile, who have improved greatly since that opening match, lost out at home to Kirkcaldy on Saturday, and so the match is set up perfectly for a great contest.

Biggar were back to full strength following the autumn international break with all those who had been carrying injuries recovered to take their place, the one exception being Douglas Notman who was still injured following the GHK Cup match. His replacement was No8 Stevie Campbell who had been missing following an ankle injury sustained several weeks ago but who was fit for action once again. Prop Callum Braid switched from his usual berth to back row while fit-again Jamie Orr partnered skipper Alan Warnock at lock.

The hard frost of Wednesday and Thursday which had led to the cancellation of the Ladies game against Currie on Friday night had relented sufficiently by Saturday and while the pitch wasn’t playable at the time of the 10am pitch inspection, there was sufficient ‘warmth’ in the air to suggest that things would be fine for the 2pm kick off. Referee Morrison took a little time before he was completely satisfied that play should go ahead but happily he gave the thumbs up and play got under way.

West had a marginally better record going into this match having most recently accounted for Dumfries while Biggar with 0 from 3 were desperately looking for what this season is a rare home win.

Playing away from the clubhouse Biggar opened their account with a penalty from Carne Green after just 2 minutes. This set the tone for the much of the rest of the match, Biggar enjoying a barrow-load of possession and territory and exerting much pressure on the visitors. In the first quarter Biggar scored tries from Ewan Stewart (the hooker rounding off a sparkling move begun deep in the Biggar half) and Callum Braid (this a terrific pick and go from some 10metres), both converted by Green who had a faultless display with the boot to claim a personal haul of 22 points.

Aside from the restarts after Biggar scores, almost 20 minutes had elapsed before West managed to get the ball into the Biggar 22.

With pressure maintained Biggar also had their fair share of good fortune, a West grubber kick in attack being blocked by Green and seeing the ball hacked forward by Bradford. The winger almost made the line, but was held short, Green’s clear out spawning ball for Warnock who crossed for try number 3.

A brilliant combination of support and good passing between Green and Euan Sanderson should have seen the latter claim Biggar’s 4th try but the ball just eluded the flanker with the line in his sights.

West hit back following a Green clearance and an opportune step by fullback Mark Sim who saw a gap on the wing. He burst past Alistair Sinclair and although the winger got back to make the tackle Sim scored the try.

This try heralded a slightly better phase for West who saw more of the ball as Biggar struggled to maintain their earlier control. The Biggar pack enjoyed the better of the tight scrum exchanges while the lineout continued to stutter – neither side able to take quality ball from this set piece.

Biggar’s aggressive defence and abrasive loose play was a feature of the game, this a most welcome sight after the most recent matches when Biggar have come off second best to for example Kirkcaldy and GHK. Campbell and Braid were to the fore in this respect although all played their part, Andrew Nimmo and Sanderson others to consistently make yards.

With half time approaching Biggar needed another score and this they duly got, Jardine taking ball on the West 22 before stepping his way through the cover to cross under the posts for the all-important bonus point try which was then converted by Green.

The kick off took play back to the Biggar half but an electric breakout started by Sanderson saw play quickly transferred the length of the pitch. Bradford was taken high and from the resultant kick to touch lineout ball won by Sanderson paved the way for Nimmo to make a charge for the line. West’s Thomson made the tackle and while Nimmo was over the line the ball was held up and referee Morrison brought play to a halt.

With injuries besetting the West pack the decision was taken to make scrums uncontested. This was unfortunate as Biggar had been in the ascendancy in this area but Biggar had found themselves in a similar position against Kirkcaldy and there is sometimes no option. As it was Biggar had an early opportunity to add to their tally a great breakout off a weak West clearance seeing play swept upfield via Robbie Lavery, Braid and Ryan Moffat. Nimmo took the ball on further and found Sanderson with the offload. The flanker looked to be home and dry but a fortuitous tap tackle put him to the ground with the ball squirting frustratingly from his grasp.

The position was maintained however as Campbell charged down the West clearance. A second attempt got to touch but Euan Bogle (who had replaced Sinclair at the break) took a quick lineout, and with ball advanced further to towards the West 22, Moffat popped the ball to Bradford who stepped his way to the West line. Green’s conversion took the Biggar total to 38-5.

As had been the case before half time, West claimed a try, this initiated from a well-controlled driven line out. Ball was passed right and then back left and Thomson all but made the line before stand off Fisken picked to cross at the corner.

Back on the attack West escaped as a pass to Bogle was deemed to have been forward but another phase saw West infringe and with the penalty advantage, Green dropped a neat goal from some 30 metres to take Biggar’s total to 41.

Lavery was the next to rue a dropped ball, he latching onto – almost – a kick ahead by Green which had it stuck would have seen the centre over for a try.

Looking to run the ball from everywhere and anywhere and enjoying the opportunity to do so – clearly a spin off from how Scotland played against Australia - some excellent interplay between Peacock, Reive, Warnock and Nimmo saw the latter cross from 10 metres despite the attentions of the cover defence.

Green added the conversion to this and then to a score from Andrew Orr who managed to retain possession in a maul which was on the line before spinning free to dive over under the posts. Having taken the restart Biggar mounted another attack immediately, Andrew Peacock who had previously replaced Orr at lock, setting off upfield for some 20 metres before feeding Sanderson. The flanker then passed inside to Ewan Stewart who sprinted clear for his second try.

Green’s 22 point tally took him beyond the 100 point mark for Biggar this season – well done to him for that but well done to the squad as the sides Points Differential at 109 is now the best in the Division!

All in all a great performance from the 19 involved. West were clearly not at their best however and the test to be posed by Hamilton on Saturday will require another step up in terms of ball security and offensive defence. That said it was great to see the team running and passing and making good ground as well.

Man of the match was deservedly awarded to Ewan Sanderson who put in a power of work in both attack and in defence although he was one of several who could also have taken the honours.

Another blank weekend for the 2nd XV who will surely get back to the pitch and some long awaited action on Saturday when they host Dundee High.

Story date: 06/12/2017

McPhail Scholarship in full

The Macphail Scholarship was established in 2005, as a partnership between The Robertson Trust and Scottish Rugby.

Created in memory of John Macphail ex-Scotland Internationalist (1949-1951), the scholarship was initially developed for talented young players however, since 2011, it has been extended to support coaches with Iain Monaghan, Ben Fisher and Chris Paterson being recent recipients.

Scottish Rugby Technical Director, Stephen Gemmell, added: “Thank you to the Robertson Trust and Macphail family for their continued support of Scottish Rugby and in helping us send some of our most promising young players to other parts of the world to further their development in new environments, with different coaches, fresh challenges and at world-class facilities.

“The Scholarship has played an important role in a number of our current professional and international players’ careers and will provide a launch pad for Angus, Andrew and Guy to accelerate their development as part of the BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy.”

Kenneth Ferguson, Director of the Robertson Trust, said: “Guy, Andy and Angus have exceptional potential and I’m in no doubt all three will prove to be worthy recipients of the scholarship.

“The launch of the new programme makes this year’s announcement particularly exciting, and I, along with the Macphail family and all at The Robertson Trust, look forward to hearing about the players’ progress throughout their time in South Africa and beyond.

“Through the John Macphail Scholarship, The Robertson Trust has assisted in the development of some of Scotland’s brightest young rugby talent for over 13 years. We are proud of this legacy and believe the programme’s new setup, and all the experiences it will bring, will help to accelerate the development of even more professional and international players going forward.”

Delight at Biggar RFC

Biggar RFC: One Club, One Family

EVERYONE at the Club can, and should, take great pride and fully share in the excitement of this news.

To have one player selected would have been wonderful but to have two - Andrew has been at Melrose for just a few months - is incredible.

This represents a fantastic achievement and endorses the work undertaken by the club, the DO's and the Academy.

Congratulations to all who have been involved in coaching and supporting the boys - and what a real boost it should be for all those coaches currently working away with their squads and for the players of all age groups who can now see what is possible with a some hard work, dedication and commitment.

The following exert is from the SRU website.

A trio of Scotland’s brightest prospects are to embark on a life-changing rugby experience in South Africa as part of a prestigious scholarship award.

The programme funded by the Robertson Trust – now in its thirteenth year – previously sent emerging players and coaches to Canterbury in New Zealand for a 15-week programme.

The change to South Africa for 2017 sees the Scholarship take a different approach which is designed to explore new relationships and enable players to benefit over a longer period of time and keep alignment with the northern hemisphere season.

Hooker Angus Fraser (17) came through the ranks at Dundee, playing mini rugby with Dundee Eagles while at Liff Primary School before moving to Dundee High and representing both the high school and the club side, ultimately earning selection to the BT Sport Academy and Scotland U18.

He said: “The call totally came out of the blue that I had been put forward and accepted to go South Africa for five months as part of the scholarship. I phoned my mum and dad straight away as I was shaking with excitement.

“It’s absolutely outstanding, I can’t wait to get out there make the most of the opportunity to really work on developing my rugby.”

Centre Andrew Jardine (18) played at Biggar from the age of four until 18. He earned selection for the Scotland U18 training squad last year before injury foiled his attempts to secure a place in the final teams.

After his first season of senior rugby at the South Lanarkshire side he moved to current BT Premiership leaders, Melrose, where he currently plays.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted. The first thing I thought when I heard was just how exciting it is. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and opportunity, to develop myself and my rugby. I’m just so grateful to Scottish Rugby and the Robertson Trust for giving me this chance. I can’t wait.”

Prop Guy Kelly (18) first played rugby at the age of five in Qatar and later Dubai before moving to the UK. He represented his club, Biggar from U15 to senior level and has since earned a call-up for Glasgow and The West U18.

He said: “The opportunity to improve myself as a player and experience a new culture and set-up is incredibly exciting. I’m absolutely delighted to be heading over to South Africa for five months and can’t wait to work on my rugby.”

Biggar RFC: One Club, One Family

Story date: 06/12/2017

Shogtun Conference win for U14’s

Under 14 Shogun Conference

One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation and that’s exactly what the Biggar Under 14 boys did on Sunday. They approached kick off ready to take the game to Ayr and this they did and from the start their attack punched holes in the Ayr defense straight away. Ayr simply did not know what had hit them and within 5 minutes, Biggar were 2 tries ahead. Calum McLemon was as usual leading the boys from the front and this was a vital key to the performance.

Another key to victory is believing you have a team worth fighting for and each player put in an impressive display, working for each other.

Ayr just could not settle into the game as Biggar launched attack after attack in various areas of the field which was proving hard to contain.

When Ayr did get the ball the Biggar centres blitzed their midfield which denied any of the Ayr centres getting the ball with time to then attack. With the centres denied the Ayr standoff resorted to kicking which again played into the Biggar hands as they ran back at them at every opportunity especially when Ben McBride was being given space.

Biggar commanded all areas and it was rewarding to see excellent lineouts and drives which have been worked on at training which then resulted in peeling off the maul to score.

Forwards were working as a unit and when time was right the ball was moved out to the backs to make space.

This team have now scored 20 tries in their last 2 games and continues to work hard and create the desire to succeed

Scorers

Calum McLemon - 4 tries

Ben McBride - 3 tries

Alexander Walpole 2 tries.

Morris McDiarmid- 1 try

Finlay Crozier had a great day converting 7 of the 10 tries with one being from the side line. Another conversion was awarded automatically after the penalty try.

Story date: 30/11/2017

Colts travel to Ayr

Colts serve up Friday night Try-fest with Ayr

Biggar Colts travelled to Troon on Friday night for their latest Shogun Conference game and with strong winds, rain, sleet and border-line freezing temperatures something was needed to warm everyone up. A sizzling game of rugby did just that!

Ayr came fizzing out of the blocks and had Biggar pinned in their own 22 for the first 10 minutes of the match. Great defence from Biggar kept the try line intact along with some poor hands and ill-discipline from Ayr. Indeed it was from a piece of Ayr ill-discipline that Biggar made the breakthrough. A Biggar knock on inside their own 5m line looked to have given Ayr a very good attacking position but the Ayr number 9 followed through with a late shoulder on Rowan Stewart resulting in a penalty to Biggar and allowing the Biggar man to clear to touch.

This got Biggar out of their half and led to a great score from Drew Brewster. A clean lineout was taken and the ball was fed to the backs where Stewart made a powerful break. The ball was recycled quickly and popped to Josh JVR who made a number of big runs breaking the gain line through the game and turned the Ayr defence. Quick ball was created again and passed out to Brewster who spotted a gap in the defence and went for it. He broke through and a beautiful step took the full back out of the game and he was over. Stewart added the extras.

Ayr were stung by this and really took the game to Biggar trying to use their big pack to dominate proceedings. They were camped in the Biggar 22 and once again the defence was excellent. The ball was turned over in contact and kept in the forwards to try and gain some ground. A couple of hits from Guy Kelly and Dan McConkey made a meter or 2 but then Josh JVR found a gap and made a great break. The ball was recycled well to Robbie Orr who spotted a gap and went for it. With Finn Stewart and Cammy Snell in support Orr put in a superb kick to turn the back-tracking Ayr defence. Finn Stewart took off down the wing showing incredible pace and dived on the ball ahead to the Ayr full back. A really superb break and a great team try. Rowan Stewart missed the conversion from a tough angle to the right of the posts.

This clearly stung the Ayr team and a strongly worded clear the air conference was held behind the posts and appeared to have the desired effect. They came on strong and again had Biggar pinned in their 22. This time they held their collective nerves and kept tying up defensive numbers until they created the overlap to go over in the corner.

Just before half time, Ayr scored a classic forwards try. A good line out take, a maul formed and then a cracking drive took them over the line. With both Ayr conversions missed, Biggar were still ahead so it was hoped they could hold on to go in ahead. Unfortunately the restart went long and Ayr broke well from their resultant scrum. Good possession rugby was played winning the rucks and spreading the ball to go over again.

Half Time Ayr 17- Biggar 12

Ayr started the second half as they started the first. They have big strong running forwards and big fast backs – a great combination but Biggar were defending manfully. Tackling, rucking and most positively of all teamwork were in evidence in spades. Ayr should have scored early in the second half when they managed to create a 3 on 1 on their left inside the 22. Great drifting defence from Finlay Stewart narrowed the attack and a crunching tackle took man and ball into touch.

Ayr got their noses further in front from a good running try and as they ran back from the score you could see their tales were up. Some outstanding play from Biggar was about to quell that fire however. First up was Robbie Orr.

From the kick off, the ball was secured by the forwards and with a few pick and drives they made ground towards the Ayr half. The ball was then fired into the backs and Rowan Stewart made a great break through the line. Orr was on his shoulder and an excellent pass took the defence out of the game. Orr went over but the try went unconverted.

Orr scored the next one as well but massive credit to Dan McConkey who took the restart superbly and went through the Ayr defensive line. Ayr seemed to fall asleep and allowed the ball to be fed to Rowan Stewart who had Orr in support. They played a couple of “1-2’s” around the defence and Orr went over under the posts. Rowan Stewart kicked the extras to put Biggar ahead by 2 points.

With only 52 minutes on the clock, Ayr got the games’ final score. Biggar worked tirelessly to get back ahead but were forced to defend in numbers inside their own 22 for long periods. Some of the hits made during that spell were massive and Biggar should take great credit for holding out under extreme pressure.

With no time left on the clock, Biggar went on a run with Drew Brewster supported by a number of backs. Just inside the Ayr half and everyone had fingers and toes crossed but it was not to be as Ayr defended superbly and booted the ball out for the win.

Full Time Ayr 29 – Biggar 24

The Ayr celebrations at full time showed what this game meant. Having beaten Biggar convincingly at Hartree Mill they may have expected an easy Friday night and this was anything but easy. Every single man for Biggar was outstanding and this was by far and away the best performance of the season from Biggar regardless of the result. Obviously no-one likes to lose but sometimes it is the manner of the loss that is important. In this case it was fighting for every ball, contesting every ruck and hitting every tackle. It was playing as a team!!

The standard has been set –the challenge now is to maintain it.

Story date: 30/11/2017

Colts earn plaudits despite defeat.

Colts show up well in tough Stirling Encounter

Stirling County Colts arrived at Hartree Mill on Saturday sporting a perfect 10 – 0 league record in the Shogun conference and whilst that record never looked in doubt, as County played some excellent rugby and scored some very good tries, they were made to work all the way by a determined and well-drilled Biggar team.

It really was down to the bare bones in terms of numbers on Saturday with only 17 men in the squad for the home favourites and one or two of those included were not 100% fit. Contrast that with the 22 man squad that Stirling travelled with and the dozen or so young men supporting them on the side lines and you get an idea of the gulf in terms of squad sizes.

County play a superb expansive form of rugby. They almost seem to have 17 men on the pitch as there is always support for an off load or pass. They kept the ball well and really forced Biggar to work for possession. That said, for long spells of this match Biggar really took the game to County and made them work too. Biggar tackled superbly for the whole 70 minutes, the rucking was really strong and some of the running on display from both backs and forwards showed how good this team can be.

With Guy Kelly leading the pack, they really discovered their pick and drive ball and it worked well on a number of occasions. Some very powerful runs were evident from a few forwards. Josh JVR hit some great lines and consistently got over the gain line and was well assisted in that area by Harry Low with Craig Frame and Dan McConkey putting in a great shift with the ball in hand too.

The backs seemed galvanised following a great run out last week. Robbie Orr and Rowan Stewart caused the County defence problems all day with their intelligent running and consistently made gains. Finlay Stewart again made some great tackles on the wing and Ali Steele again made some excellent ground with some really good kicking.

Biggar got 2 scores out of the game. The first a relatively simple kick from Ali Steele in the first half to get points on the board following a Country offside and the second a really well earned forwards try from Guy Kelly in the second half. A penalty from half way was launched perfectly by Ali well into the County 22. From the resultant line out a great throw from Rhys Thompson was taken into the maul and Biggar got the drive on. They were stopped just at the line but Kelly broke off, spun and got over. A hard earned score but something that the pack can take great pride in. This is practiced as part of the hard work in training week in week out and when it goes right, it is almost impossible to defend against.

Final Score Biggar 10 – Stirling County 55

After a tough loss, it’s easy to focus on negatives there can be no merit in that after a game like this. Being down by 30 points at half time it would have been easy to crumble and County could have run in a cricket score but that didn’t happen. Having lost Ethan Webb to a nasty looking bump and then Scott Paton too they needed every person to step up and that is what happened. Every single man in the 17 stood up and fought for every yard and Stirling will have woken up on Sunday knowing they were in a game. You can see the tackling, rucking and support play of this relatively young team improving every week and that will be needed for the last 3 games of the Shogun conference season. If they keep this standard of play up, I have every faith that they can get something out of each of those games.

Story date: 20/11/2017

U18 Girls lose out in Conference finals

Biggar girls lose out on league decider thriller

Biggar travelled to Stirling for their final game in the current campaign and what was set up to be the league decider. Biggar were victorious in the previous encounter at the start of the season although it was a very close competitive game and this return fixture promised more of the same. A pitch inspection earlier in the day had declared the game on and “game on” was certainly what was delivered up.

Stirling started very strongly and attacked for the first 10 minutes but as had been the case in the previous game the Biggar defence was solid and it was Biggar that broke the deadlock with their first try after 15 minutes. Stirling struck back with a try after 20 minutes to level the score. Both teams exerted pressure with some fierce tackling by the Stirling girls and some strong direct running by the Biggar team and it was Biggar who scored on the 30 minute mark and this was to remain the score until half time. (10-5)

The first half had flown past due to the pace and excitement of the game.

The second half started with equal intensity with Biggar scoring a further converted try after only 2 minutes of the restart to take the score to 17 – 5. Stirling however continued to apply pressure to Biggar with double tackles taking the momentum out of the Biggar play. The strong Stirling centres and speedy wings were a constant threat and Stirling scored a further try and conversion to take the score to 17 -12.

Both teams were playing some very attractive rugby and the match was in the balance at this stage. Stirling continued to pressurise the Biggar line which for a period held intact through some very good defensive play but eventually they broke through and scored a further converted try to take the score to 17 all.

Stirling secured a further score (22-17). The drive of the Biggar girls was evident and they came close to scoring only to be out done by some immense tackling from Stirling and with 5 minutes remaining it was Stirling who claimed the final score and despite a great effort from the whole Biggar team they could not reduce the deficit and the final score remained at 29 – 17 to Stirling.

All the spectators, coaches and officials agreed that this had been the most exciting, entertaining and skilful game of the season and for the most part could have gone either way. All the Biggar girls gave their all and should be so proud of their efforts and whilst it was Stirling who clinched the decision on the day, it was Scottish U18 Girls rugby that was the Winner.

Biggar try scorers - Geri, Ailie, Abi and Emily (conversion)

Man of the match (from Stirling) - Geri

Many thanks to Richard Robinson for filming the game. We would also like to thank Stirling for their hospitality – the girls all mixed together after the game and both teams were quick to praise their opposition – surely this is what rugby is all about. Biggar would like to congratulate Stirling on their fantastic season of rugby and on winning the league. We look forward to the next encounter.

In the U15 match Stirling also triumphed, their 47-0 win ensuring that the Stirling club won the Mirage Conference title

Story date: 20/11/2017

Girls defeat Murrayfield Wanderers in Conference matches

On Sunday the Youth sections were in action.

The Girls headed to Murrayfield where they took on Murrayfield Wanderers. The Biggar girls maintained their winning run with two good victories although the hosts were struggling for numbers in both sides. For the record the U15’s won 36-0 while the U18’s won 64-14.

These results ensure that Biggar remain on equal points with Stirling County, which will mean that the final games of the Conference this Sunday (19th November) at Stirling, will be the decider. Exciting prospect!

In another guise, that of Biggar High School, the Biggar girls deserve great praise for their efforts midweek when they played Shawlands Academy in the semi-finals of the Scottish Schools Cup.

While the U15 girls lost out (52-10 defeat) the U18’s won (43-5) which means they will make a return trip to Scotstoun to defend the title they won last year. This match is scheduled for Nov 26th with a 1.45pm kick off. Their opponents on the day will be either Carrick Academy or the Community School of Auchterarder.

More details nearer the time, but an excellent performance and victory girls, well done!

Story date: 20/11/2017

Over 35’s defeated by Peebles

On Saturday it was the turn of the elder statesmen who took on Peebles in the annual Over 35’s joust.

Hitherto neither side had managed an away win but this run was ended when the visitors ended handsome winners by 29-7.

The Peebles squad was a little younger than their hosts and they were certainly much better drilled as befits a team which has had an outing already this season. Able to win ball at will at the lineout stand off Keith Nisbet then sent the Biggar side scuttling back in defence with a variety of kicks.

Biggar managed a consolation score with what turned out to be the last movement of the game, this from Nic Humphries which helped save the blushes a little. Although he did miss the relatively easy conversion…...

There was a good atmosphere throughout with plaudits to teenage referee Cameron Forrest who, in what is a very challenging role given the combatants - controlled things well.

Ladies get the better of Livi Bulls

The Ladies meanwhile in what was only their second match of the season ran out winners over visitors Livi Bulls, this a combine side made up of players from Hamilton and Livingston rugby clubs.

A very encouraging and healthy 20 player squad gave lots of opportunity for coach Aird Jardine to

rest and test players. Significant performances came from the Brewster sisters (Laura and Corrie) who in what was their first appearance together ripped through the Livi side in attack and were solid in defence. There were excellent débuts from among others, newcomers Laini Howard and Tina McDonald (daughter of former player Jim and who deservedly won player of the match) and Megan McCarry.

Story date: 20/11/2017

Colts trun on the style against Currie

Friday Night Fireworks at Hartree Mill (thanks to Simon Low for this report)

Friday night saw a fund raising dinner held for MND at Hartree Mill with a 3 game extravaganza under the lights. Entering the arena first accompanied by coach John Archibald’s pyrotechnic wizardry were the Colts playing their Shogun Conference fixture against Currie. Any hopes of a fizzing derby game were extinguished early with Currie arriving with only 12 boys. Biggar handed over 3 “volunteers” and a 15 a side development game kicked off. With the points already in the bag for Biggar you could have forgiven them for taking it easy but they didn’t.

Four Shogun Conference débutantes took their bows for the Colts team today 2 new faces and 2 not so new. Starting were Cameron Snell making the step up from under 16’s and the returning Rowan Stewart – making a welcome comeback after injury. On the subs bench Lee Smith who unfortunately can’t make Saturday games and Guy Kelly – still able to play Colts rugby this year but fresh from playing for the Firsts against Kirkcaldy last week. Indeed there was an instant impact into the game from one of these new starters.

Biggar had the kick off and kicking into a deceptively strong wind, the ball did not travel 10. From the scrum restart Biggar scored the first of their 6 tries of the day. Finlay Barr who was excellent for the whole game disrupted the Currie 9 and managed to get his hands on the ball. He popped the ball to Robbie who found Rowan running onto the ball at pace. From just inside the Currie half Rowan pinned his ears back and was off. What a start for Biggar and for Rowan. 1 minute of rugby for the season and 1 try with more to come! With the aforementioned blustery win making kicking very difficult Ali Steele had a tough day on the tee but still managed to slot 3 of 6 kicks. This first one was however missed.

A tight game ensued Biggar backs looked very tidy and were increasing the pressure on Currie but the Malleny Park outfit were no mugs and tackled hard leading to a bit of a midfield slog. The next Biggar score was came from a good tight forward play and the backs letting loose and running hard. An initial break by Rowan saw the ball deep into the Currie 22. Great support and a quick ball out through the hands to Robbie who sped over for the score.

Half Time Biggar 12 – Currie 0

Into the second half and game management was going to be key. With the wind at their backs, exerting pressure on Currie would be key and Biggar did this well. First up with his second score of the game was Robbie Orr. A well worked Line out from the forwards got the ball going forwards. Out along the hands and the backs really taking the contact to Currie. Recycled ball back along the line to Robbie who saw a gap and went for it. He waltzed around 3 or 4 defenders to go over for the score out wide.

The next 2 tries were both down to excellent kicking from hand from Robbie. The first one was a long clearing kick when Currie left themselves with limited cover in behind. The ball landed inside the 22 and rolled tantalisingly into the in goal area. With Rowan sprinting to the line the Currie Full back got himself mixed up and missed the last bounce. As the ball went one way, he went another and Rowan pounced. Great score, great pressure and great determination.

The 5th Biggar try owed as much to great defence as to good kicking. A chip over the defensive line from the Currie 10 saw him running clear and looking as though he might go all the way. Superb back tracking from Jack Blaikhill and a really excellent cover tackle saw the Currie man caught. The ball was won by Biggar but under real pressure, Robbie sent another great kick into the Currie 22. This time saw Sam Wallis take off after it. Picked up by the Currie wing Sam made an excellent tackle and bounced straight back up to steal the ball. Great support from Finn Barr saw him get the try his overall play deserved as Sam popped the ball to him to allow the score.

Story date: 20/11/2017

Colts regain winning ways

Youth rugby: Mitsubishi Shogun Conference

'Colts grab last-gasp try for dramatic win over Hamilton'

Hamilton U18 15 Biggar Colts 18

Thrilling gladiatorial finishes like this one are impossible to resist and Biggar's last-gasp heist in their South Lanarkshire hosts back yard will reverberate for some time.

In truth, Hamilton must be wondering how on earth they lost the game just as much as Biggar wondered how we won it!

Hamilton will be gutted because the game had seemed up, a well executed penalty kick appeared to have punished the visitors for several moments of defensive naivety with three minutes left. Instead it was merely a prelude to a compelling final act that saw Charles Connolly crash over the line in the last minute to sicken the home side. This followed a perfect kick off from Ali Steele, placing the ball with real precision to see it rolling in to touch several metres from the Hamilton line, this immediately put huge pressure on the Hamilton line out, pressure that ultimately they could not handle.

Given that Biggar Colts have been affected by injuries and were short of a few influential players, the league's fifth-placed side deserved their first win in five games for perseverance alone.

Biggar got off to a flying start and showed the structured move stuff that makes us feel all warm and fuzzy. Biggar expected the customary big start from the heavy Hamilton forwards, but credit to the front five of Low, Thomson, Baillie, Archibald, van Rensberg who turned the tables and dominated in the first half. Five minutes of doing the basics well led to Ali Steele going over the line using his power to take the last tackler over the line with him. The Full-back converted his own try and all was well at 7 nil.....sort of.

Ground conditions were wet and greasy with both sides struggling to keep the ball in hand, the proverbial bar of soap seeming to have a mind of its own. Simple hand-catch and pass skills eluded both sides for a bit although the long pass was over used when basic short slick passing would have yielded results for the Biggar three quarters with the overlap beckoning on several occasions after excellent carries by the forwards, Frame, McConkey, van Rensberg and Connolly making inroads in the close quarters contact.

Amongst the scrappy play it was Jack Blaikhill that nearly added to the tally when he switched on the afterburners up the left wing. The pacy back was bumped into touch 3 metres from the line after his 50 metre sprint.

A lot of the first-half was played in the Bulls half and Biggar competed better of late in the breakdown forcing a couple turnovers but poor decision making halted any significant progress.

Hamilton got their tails up though and were briefly impactful, albeit somewhat lateral, and that's what slowed the hosts down. Biggar forced the issue with a drift defence that brought about Hamilton errors, Wallis effectively shutting down the Hamilton danger man time and time again, once the defensive communication was functioning.

The Bulls continued with positive intent but it was mainly in the middle of the pitch. A missed long range penalty kick attempt in 23 minutes maintained Biggar's clean sheet.

Josh van Rensberg saw yellow for a late tackle with 6 minutes of the first half to go but the visitors held out to go into the break ahead.

Biggar's lead didn't last long and 2 minutes hadn't passed into the second-half when Hamilton pounced and wasted no time in reminding everyone that the hosts had strength and determination. A characteristic break by the No.10 opened up acres of space and yielded a predictable outcome. The Fly-half ran in unchallenged for a converted score, a reminder that defensive focus and intent cannot lapse at any time.

Biggar hit back with a pair of successful penalty kicks from Steele to bring the score to 7-13. Line speed and collective defensive effort forced errors that resulted in Hamilton conceding penalties, it is always great to see this type of offensive defence.

The customary massive work rate by Orr set an example to all, tackling time and time again, snubbing out threatening situations and stealing precious ball. The helter-skelter mood continued for a good while. It became a matter of waiting to see which team could retain their composure.

It happened to be Hamilton. They were on top and good for it. They forced a penalty and narrowly missed the kick. Biggar were going backwards.

Hamilton scored another try out wide and with only one point adrift at 12-13 they could smell victory.

Bulls kept coming at Biggar and were nearly in for the deadly score on the hour mark. A Hamilton try at that point would have destroyed the visitors. However, if there was ever a moment that in itself deserved to win a game it arrived in that 60th minute. At full tilt, Matthew Stewart sprinted across the width of the pitch following his initial tackle, tracking the slick Hamilton backs move that found the existing Biggar defence floundering. As the only player left, the inside centre broke the winger's heart, as he was probably planning his picture perfect dive in his head, by halting him merely a couple of feet from the line. Although the wing wasn't in touch, Craig Frame, who was tenacious all day, showed speed of thought and arrived early to rip the ball from the isolated back. Biggar cleared their lines and there was well deserved back slapping all round.

But haud the bus.....

Hamilton weren't finished. You know that feeling in the pit of your stomach when you didn't want that something horrible to happen...then it did? Well, it did!

Colts lost their discipline and conceded a penalty within kicking distance. Hamilton obliged and stroked it between the posts.

3 minutes to go, 15-13 to Bulls and to all intents and purposes the game was done. The home support went mad. And who could blame them.

But haud the bus......again!

Biggar weren't finished. Ali Steele's re-start was long and pin-point accurate. Hamilton would have to deal with a line-out on their own 5m line. The pressure showed. Line-out not straight, scrum 5 to Biggar. 1st Phase...Halted. 2nd phase.....Halted. Hamilton defended like demons. 3rd phase, a break down the blindside, a rampaging burst from Connolly, just enough to outfox the home cover....Try!

The away support went mad. And who could blame them.

A nervy last minute ensued with Hamilton piling on the pressure but Biggar held out. Final score, Hamilton 15 Biggar 18.

Biggar urgently needed something to brighten up their season and this game certainly did that. No-one said it was going to be easy and the boys need to realise that. Let’s not beat about the bush here, things need to improve, for their own sake, if they want to make an impression in this league and it IS achievable. The coaches will never accept mediocrity. With that in mind players must focus on work-ons and be brutally honest about what they want to achieve. No, it's not the Pro 14 or a case of life and death. It's more than that!

It was a very important victory that will boost the team and is particularly pleasing to see the 15 on the pitch at the end that dragged the victory from the jaws of defeat. Well done everyone.

Story date: 09/11/2017

Kirkcaldy pack too strong for Biggar

Kirkcaldy 40 Biggar 13

With several regulars unavailable and with a number carrying knocks the League break for the Autumn internationals has come about a week too late for Biggar. It is also an indication of how small the senior squad is although very pleasingly, a side did represent the 2nds as they travelled to Musselburgh. While they too, returned defeated, there was plenty to suggest that a full, fit XV would have made it a real contest. As always all credit to those boys who managed to play and who worked so hard in the contest.

Biggar’s front row comprised two 18 year olds and a 22 year old while the absence of recognised ball carriers was always going to make this a really tough ask – especially against a side reknowned for having a big pack and playing almost throughout, to that strength. Biggar’s cause was not helped by inmjury during the warm up to Calum Braid, his failure to make the kick off compounded by the fact that Biggar’s bench was also deprived and therefore an even greater strain was placed on the squad of 18.

Having faced a well-drilled Lasswade pack last week, there was going to be no surprises at Kirkcaldys choice of tactic for this encounter, and so it proved, Biggar on the defensive for long periods of the match and, while all stuck to the task of tackle, tackle and tackle again, there was an inevitability that Biggar’s line would be breached.

An early penalty from Carne Green gave Biggar some hope but they were soon under the cosh as Kirkcaldy gave their visitors little respite, each and every penalty – and there were plenty awarded – seeing the Fife side kick for territory and then drive for the line. Biggar have been so much better with regard to on-field discipline this season but it all seemed to go wrong at Kirkcaldy, referee Iain Morrison finding fault on a very regular basis with penalties awarded for offside and no release. That he is the sole judge and arbiter is not in question, but there seemed far too many occasions when the 50-50 decision went to the home side. There were some questionable decisions against Kirkcaldy too however, with one penalty in particular, awarded against the home side for not retiring in time advanced at least 20 metres further up the park than it should have been!

After long periods of play when a side is struggling to get possession seem to be relieved by a good turnover, which is then penalised, it is hardly surprising that players get frustrated.

Hooker Greg Wallace was the first to cross, his angled run from some 5 metres almost impossible to halt while on a good day with the boot, fullback Finlay Smith added the conversion, this the first two points of what was to become a handsome 10 point total.

With just over a quarter of the match gone No8 Dayle Turner rounded off a scrummage drive to touchdown and then jastb after the half hour flanker Rhys Bonner took the Kirkcaldy try tally to 3. A half time score then of 19-3.

With a swirling wind which rarely gave either side a real advantage Biggar were now ‘uphill’. Guy Kelly who had engineered a couple fo great ‘steals’ at the breakdown then succumbed to another charge and was forced from the field. With the Kirkcaldy front row comprising of some real old heads – prop Mangalo weighing in at some 24 stone – it was hardly surprising that the Biggar youngesters would creak. Not that any of the side could be criticised for lack of effort, the tackle count indicative of that effort. Everyone played their part but credit to hooker Ewan Stewart who put in a huge shift, the aforemontioned Nimmo and Kelly who belied their youth, captain Alan warnock who stood strong despite a 3 week old nose break and to flanker Lewis McLachlan who made his first appearance this years and who typically ran himself into the ground with a prominent role in both attack abnd defence. The backs contributed consdierably although they were employed primarily in defence. When given the opportunity they ran some good lines and asked some questions of the Kirkcaldy defence which was pleasing to see and suggsted that with more and especially ‘go-forward’ ball, that they might have had more success.

Scrums were then uncontested, much to Kirkcaldy’s chagrin and while this was unfortunate and certainly not what Biggar wished, the ‘cheat’ jibes from some of the home support were equally unfortunate.

Cousins Conor Lavery and Gregor Stewart were introduced to the action, they replacing Aird Jardine and Kelly respectively. Uncontested scrums are not particualrly helpful to either side as although possession inevitably goes with the put in the defending sides back row are always primed and ready to pounce. This was much the case, both sides running at pace and making some big hits. The fact that Kirkcaldy possessed the much heavier pack menat that they were usually able to make inroads through Biggar’s first line of defence or at worst force Biaggr to hastily regroup. This again took its toll with wallace notching try number two within 5 minutes of the restart.

This was of course the 4th and bonus point try and so in a sense it was ‘job done’ for the league leaders.

This did seem to coincide with a much better passage of play for Biggar as they managed to retain possession over a number of phases. On a good few occasions it was only some stout Kirkcaldy defence which prevented Biggar from scoring although when a side is desperate to score, chances must be taken and Biggar, on another day, might have scored from two opportinities but passes which should have been made weren’t, while others ended in errors. This only added to the frustration.

Biggar vaired their attack with a selection of chips and grubbers in their attempts to breach the Kirkcaldy line but in the absence of any real ball-carryiong forwards the Kirkcaldy defence was able to string itself across the pitch. This proved pretty efective and it denied bIggar a try when they so desperately deserved a score.

Forced back and conceding possession, Kirkcaldy engineered a breakout and after a series of probing runs and thrusts, scrum half Gavin McKenzie burst through Biggar’s stretched defence for another try to take the Fife total to 33.

There were several Kirkcaldy tackles which seemed high some of which were unpunished so it was harsh to the Biggar support at least when perhaps the first such high tackle by Biggar resulted in Andrew Peacock being shown a yellow and confined to a 10 minute watching brief.

Unsurprsingly, Kirkcaldy added to their tally from the penalty award.

Now leaving nothing in the locker, Biggar opened out throwing the ball about in an attempt to break through, their reward eventually coming as Ryan Moffat crashed over for a try. With limited time remaining, Green opted for the drop goal attempt, this going wide.

Back on the attack after the restart, Biggar nabbed s scond score, winger aloistauir Sinclair latching on to a Green grubber kick to cross in the corner. Greens’ conversion rebounded off the upright and shortly afterwards referee Morrsion brought the contest to an end, much to the jubilation of the home side.

This was Biggar’s first defeat away from home! This is an astounding statistic and a really odd one at that, especially as most club’s approach is to win the home games and sneak a few away wins! It’s the opposite for Biggar in this campaign as the home record of played 5 won 2 lost 3 does not make very good reading, and especially when compared to their away record of played 5 won 4 lost 1!

The league now breaks for the Autumn international series. That will hopefully allow all those who are carrying knocks to recover and re-energise before the visit of West of Scotland. The Glasgow side rocked the boat a bit on Saturday when they recorded a surprise win over Dumfries.

With Lasswade winning Biggar drop to 5th spot, 10 points behind Kirkcaldy but just 7 from Lasswade in 2nd place. There is still everyhting to play for then and lots of good rubgy to come from this side.

Post script

Among Biggar's usual travelling support were Peter and Sandy Green, parents of stand off Carne. On a holiday/business trip from New Zealand they were able to spend some time in Biggar with Carne as well as seeing some of Scotland. Steeped in rugby with the Petone club from Wellington, they were disappointed they did not see Biggar win but they enjoyed their stay in the town, leaving on Sunday for Edinburgh and then south to England to catch up with Sandy's family. Haste ye back!

As previously mentioned the 2nd XV succumbed to Musselburgh. In second bottom spot of National Reserve League 2, Biggar face an uphill struggle to retaining their place in this division but again there is still a lot of rugby to be played.

Story date: 09/11/2017

Mirage win as 15’s defeat Ayr

Biggar 62 Ayr 21

U15 Girls put in another fab exhibition of Rugby today with their counterparts from Ayr. Some lovely plays of skill and teamwork.

Very well lead by Capt Emma Orr and Vice Mariana Finlayson with some promising future candidates also contributing to the direction of the match.

The team all played strongly, again with some players adopting new positions and adapting well. We would benefit from being a little fitter! But that will come!

This was a fast moving game with a lot of effort being put in from our girls. Mariana got Girl of the Game from Ayr, With Lana Bell nominated by Ayr.

62 - 21 Final score to Biggar. Well done girls we’re proud of you all.

Story date: 31/10/2017

Ladies host Annan in first match

Biggar Ladies first match.

A great start for the Ladies on Friday. Annan were clearly stronger in all aspects as befits a side who have played together for some 3 seasons. Biggar worked hard throughout and their determination paid off in the final quarter when Corrie Brewster ran the length of the pitch to score
a try - which got the biggest cheer of the evening!

Congratulations to all the Ladies who wore the red and black, several of whom were making their very first match appearance. There is plenty to suggest that they will learn quickly and develop well as a team.

Story date: 31/10/2017

Biggar Youth draw a blank against Boroughmuir

Boroughmuir recorded wins at Colts level on Saturday and their other youth sides also triumphed on Sunday at each age group. A tough day!

Biggar Under 14’s

Boroughmuir arrived confident that they would easily put Biggar to the sword but came away from Hartree knowing that although they had won 24 - 3 they had been in a very competitive game.

Boroughmuir were quick to praise the improvement in Biggar compared to the start of the season when Biggar could only field 9 players. Now they have a squad of 18 and each player is proud to be part of it. Each week they move on and it is so good to see.

Boroughmuir were not allowed to play early on with Biggar frustrating them and it was not until well through the half before they scored.

Half time 12 to 0 for Boroughmuir.

Biggar had chances and plenty procession but they were not matching the direct running that their opponents were.

However, they did score in the 2nd half through Calum McLemon but were not able to put any further tries on the score board.

Story date: 31/10/2017

Colts falter at Boroughmuir

Another Tough Shift for Biggar Colts:

Boroughmuir 45 Biggar 12

Biggar Colts kicked off the second half of their Shogun Conference fixtures with a trip to Meggetland to face Boroughmuir Colts. The home fixture, played in mid-August brought back memories of summer with short sleeves, flowing rugby and Biggar winning 25-8. Unfortunately the weather on Saturday was nothing like mid-August. With the wind gusting from left to right, tactics were always going to be key - kick well with the wind and stick it up the jumper when playing against it.

‘Muir did this superbly. First half they absorbed lots of Biggar pressure waited on a mistake and sent the ball 60 yards down the pitch forcing Biggar to start again. Second half they kept the ball in their pack tied up defenders than hit on the break with their pacey backs. This was to prove a winning combination.

Biggar tried to play a passing game throughout and sometimes the weather just isn’t right for that. Long looping miss passes seemed to be the order of the day with the result more often than not a knock-on, lost ball or forward pass being called. Having conceded an early try Biggar got themselves well into the ‘Muir 22. A penalty was taken popped to Josh JVR who was stopped just short. It looked primed for a rumble from the forwards but instead a 30 yard pass was the option taken. Result – lineout ‘Muir who kicked well clear.

Having conceded again, Biggar got back in the game. This time a penalty in the ‘Muir 22 was kept in the forwards and once space was created Matthew dived over for the score. Ali kicked the conversion well in a very strong wind.

14 - 7 at the half would, have been a good 35 minutes work but ‘Muir went over with the last play of the half so 21-7 it was.

Into the second half playing with the wind can sometimes be just as tricky. Biggar kicked well and had ‘Muir camped inside their own 22 almost permanently but a loose pass or knock on would result in ‘Muir snaffling the ball and hitting on the break. They scored 4 almost carbon copy try’s in the second half with only a Robbie score showing for Biggar following excellent work from the pack.

Full Time – ‘Muir 45 – Biggar 12

Biggar need to learn from these games as although ‘Muir were a good side, they were beatable. They were simply far more clinical in taking their chances than Biggar scoring almost every time they got a chance. Biggar scored 2 try’s but had 4 or 5 other really good chances that were not taken. Decision making is key in these situations and in a lot of cases this was where Biggar fell down.

To be fair to Biggar they kept going manfully and were unlucky not to keep the game much tighter but decision making let them down. It does sometimes look like players are looking for the right man to pass to rather than the right pass. Too often a long pass was picked as the option when a short pass would have kept the ball with Biggar rather than being turned over.

Story date: 31/10/2017

Biggar lose at home to Lasswade

Biggar 13 Lasswade 19

On the back of three, five point wins Biggar were in relatively confident mood going into this They were well aware however that the visitors, in the shape of Lasswade, had been going particularly well as well, their win over top of the table Kirkcaldy the previous week giving plenty indication of a side playing to their strengths, namely their pack.

Biggar welcomed back hooker Ewan Stewart for this match and were forced into a change in the back row, Euan Sanderson having been concussed last week at PL and replaced by Craig McDonald who had taken over from Sanderson. In the backs Ryan Moffat returned to replace Gregor Stewart who took his place on the bench where he was joined by Guy Kelly, Kev Robison and Conor Lavery, the last two having joined the fray from the 2nd XV match against Hawick Force which kicked off at 2pm.

In blustery conditions Lasswade were quickly on the attack, notching their first try within the first 5 minutes, This was scored by winger Matthew Smith who came onto a good line from some 5 metres out, wrong footing the Biggar defence. Converted by Andy Bell, Lasswade were 7-0 ahead.

Against the strong wind there were few opportunities and little point in kicking clear and so Biggar employed their pack and ball-carriers to take them upfield. This proved fairly successful and Biggar were able to work their way upfield with some good work from all. There were occasions however when Lasswade managed to either strip the ball carriers or contest the ball on the4 ground this slowing play up or ending in penalties which the visitors used to return play to the Biggar half.

On balance however Biggar did enjoy good territorial position, running ball back to Lasswade whenever they could.

With good ball provided by the pack, the backs all made good ground, Alistair Sinclair and Aird Jardine combining well after one Lasswade clearance to take play up the left wing. A couple of passes later and Jamie Orr burst clear to cross from some 40 metres out and by beating the cover defence on the way. Kicking into the wind was always going to be tricky in the conditions and so it proved as Carne Green was off target with his conversion attempt and then again some 10 minutes later when the ball rebounded out off the upright.

Able to maintain the pressure Biggar should probably have added to their tally especially when Lasswade had one of their number sin-binned for failing to retreat at a Biggar penalty which Green ran. It was not to be however as Lasswade were very competitive at the breakdown and in mauls, their persistence paying off well as they frustrated the Biggar attack.

Having had the better slice of possession Biggar were then forced onto the defensive as visiting scrum half Daniel Ritchie put in a nice wee grubber kick to the Biggar 22. The follow up was deemed illegal by referee Fergus Collins and Green kicked for the lineout. A rare error on the take spawned ball for Lasswade and a barnstorming run from lock Stephen Hunter took play to the Biggar line, winger Ross Bradford just getting the big man down inches from the line. Recycled ball was quick however and Ritchie was on hand to pop the ball to hooker Darren Tiffney who crashed over from a few feet for a try which, when converted by Bell, put Lasswade ahead at 14-5 with just minutes of the half remaining.

Having conceded a try just before the break Biggar needed a quick riposte that this they got within minutes of the restart. Now with the wind on their backs play was quickly taken into the Lasswade 22.

From a Biggar scrum Moffat, Peacock, Orr, McDonald and Nimmo all made good ground before play was switched back right Bradford making another burst. Revive fed Green who popped the ball inside to Stewart who crossed for the try. The try-scorer had earlier been on for Jamie Orr who sustained a shoulder injury and while the big man returned he was clearly not at full strength and Stewart, normally a centre joined McDonald, another whose preference is in the backs in the back row. Green’s conversion attempt was wide but at 14-10 Biggar were back in the mix. The try and Stewart's all-round combatative play throughout the match - particualrly in defence - was a major factor in his selection as Biggar's man of the match.

Almost directly from the restart Biggar had another opportunity, another inside pass to Green finding Stewart who broke the line to set off on a long run. Running into the Lasswade defence the off-load failed to go to hand and Lasswade fullback Niall Gray was able to secure possession on the ground from which Lasswade engaged their pack on what was to become standard fare for the half, the pack picking and going as they strove to get out of their half.

A knock on ceded possession to Biggar and after a neat interchange between Ewan Stewart, Peacock and skipper Alan Warnock the big lock was set free into the Lasswade 22. A last ditch tackle from centre Mark Wilson saved the day although he was adjudged to have prevented fair release, Green kicking the penalty for 14-13 as Lasswade were again reduced to 14 men.

And that was almost that! Having enjoyed their fair share of possession and territory both now virtually ceased as Lasswade cleverly took a stranglehold on, in particular, possession. Using the short pass to pods of two or three scrum half Ritchie popped the ball left and then right and the left again. Without gaining many yards this proved to be very effective, Biggar unable to get their hands on the ball and reduced to defensive tackling. There seemed no way to get possession back, later criticism suggesting that the offensive defence was too passive but every time a Lasswade player was tackled their body position was low and gong to ground was easy, the ball then efficiently sealed off by the support. Pretty it was certainly not, but it was frustrating for the home side.

On the rare occasion Biggar did get the ball they were able to kick clear, one good tackle chase by Sinclair seeing Lasswade knock on at the ruck base but an altercation between Robbie Lavery and Ritchie saw the decision reversed allowing Lasswade to kick clear.

As the half wore on it became clear that with just one point separating the sides the next score would most likely be the winning score. Unable to sustain possession in their opponents half things were not too positive for Biggar although there was always the hope that they would eventually break free, even just to win a penalty.

It was not to be however and having taken play back into Biggar’s 22 another series of probing runs shed ball for Ritchie who fed centre Wilson. There appeared to be cover but his pace took him clear and over for what turned out to be a decisive try.

There was at least 8 minutes on the clock but with their tails up there was much less chance of Lasswade conceding possession now. A Biggar penalty saw Green kick to some 5 metres out but having found the visitors adept at the maul and driving play Biggar’s line drive faltered giving Lasswade the scrum and a chance to clear.

Throughout there had been penalty awards to both sides which were difficult to understand and there were a couple in the last few minutes which went against Biggar but Lasswade rode their luck, the final award seeing them tap and kick to touch to end the game.

Massive disappointment then for Biggar, tempered only by the fact that they at least won a losing bonus point. Having last season had a difficulty in winning ‘on the road’ Biggar’s home record is the much poorer this season, their 3 defeats all being at Hartree. There would be huge satisfaction if their winning run away from home were to continue this Saturday when they journey to Fife and league leaders Kirkcaldy.

There seems every chance that Biggar will have to endure another match with a forward pack adept at the pick and go as the Kirkcaldy side are well known for this approach. It promises to be another difficult day!

Please note that while the kick offs are now scheduled for 2pm, Kirkcaldy have requested a 3pm start, and this will in fact be the case.

Perhaps the best news of what turned out to be a challenging weekend with all League sides on Saturday losing out – and indeed all boys youth sides on the wrong end of the score line on Sunday – was the re-appearance of the 2nd XV. This has been a challenging few weeks as there have been a number of regulars unavailable due to injury and work commitments. Importantly however the ‘call to arms’ was answered on Saturday and a side was fielded. This included several who were making a return to the action with all to be congratulated on their considerable efforts.

Of these Callum Taylor deserves praise while Robison and Lavery who both played for almost the whole game then turned out for the 1sts on the bench.

That the 2nd XV faced runaway league leaders Hawick force did nothing to east the situation, the Border side running out winners by 38-6 win.

Story date: 31/10/2017

Girls win in Glasgow

On Sunday it was again only the Girls who were in competitive action (the Boys Youth teams were on their 2nd week of the October break while the micros and minis matches at Dalziel were postponed due to water-logged pitches). In the Girls Mirage Conference Biggar travelled to Glasgow to take on Hillhead Jordanhill. It was a disappointing time for the U18’s who were again forced to play just a Development match as the home side did not have a full complement of players.

U18 Girls v Hillhead

This match was played as Development as Hills were only able to field 11 players. Three periods of 20 minutes were played with Biggar providing 2 girls for the opposition in each period. The conditions were favourable for good running rugby. The bulk of the first period was evenly matched with both sides performing well in attack and defence. The first score came from a maul turnover by Biggar and quick hands and good support led to the try with the conversion added (7-0). Biggar added an early score in the second period but Hills responded quickly and added a try of their own. Biggar girls then had a period of sustained pressure with good distribution and handling and added two further converted tries (26-5).

Biggar scored a further three converted tries in the third period with Hills scoring a further try. With several team members on holiday and four forwards out through injury this allowed the Biggar coaches the opportunity to give game time to the less experienced players and all acquitted themselves well with good support from the more experienced players. Hills played a fast offloading game so the Biggar coaches with be pleased with the overall performance of the squad and with the overall spirit evident on the day. Final score (47-12). Tries - Feebi (2), Geri (3), Rachel and Rebecca. Conversions- Emily (6).

Finally, Emily Armstrong was named Man of the Match and had a strong game which was capped with two chop tackles toward the end that any Internationalist would have been proud of- Well Done Emily.

The U15’s did play a competitive match however and they returned with a good 36-25 win to maintain their second spot in their Conference programme.

Story date: 31/10/2017

PL put to the sword

Preston Lodge 6 Biggar 62

There were two issues plaguing Biggar’s statisticians in the aftermath of this match. When did Biggar last defeat Preston Lodge at Pennypit and when did Biggar last record three 5-point wins on the bounce?

The first of these was slightly harder as Biggar’s last win at Pennypit is believed to have been in the last century (early 1990’s) while ‘never’ was the simplest and easiest answer to the second question. This latest result and others elsewhere which saw both Kirkcaldy and Dumfries defeated and Hamilton without a match, means that Biggar jump to joint second top spot, just behind Kirkcaldy and still level with Lasswade. The exciting prospect of course is that Biggar meet these two sides in the next two weeks and so come the league break Biggar should know whether or not they are in real contention for one of the two promotion spots – although there is obviously still an awful long way to go in the league programme.

Biggar fielded a similar XV to that which played last week against Whitecraigs, save that in the pack Kevin Robison started the match, Andrew Orr reverting to the back row with Alan Warnock and Euan Sanderson, Douglas Notman unavailable due to a hand injury. Andrew Peacock came into the side at lock.

In the backs, Gregor Stewart started in place of Ryan Moffat who was doubtful due to shift work, (although he did in the end make the game, coming on after the break) while Ewan Bogle, who was down to start in place of Alistair Sinclair, pulled out during the warm up with asthma. Craig McDonald joined Andrew Nimmo on the bench, the young prop making a welcome return to action after a month out. These three were joined by Conor Lavery who was making a return to action for Biggar after several seasons with Aberdeen Grammar.

The match itself saw Biggar put an injury-ravaged PL to the sword with a sound display of running rugby which resulted in a 10-0 try count, PL’s points coming from a penalty and a drop goal, both credited to scrum half Brian Walls.

That Biggar ‘played’ for the full 80 minutes was as pleasing as the result, recent games seeing the side stutter for at least a half of each match. Not so on Saturday when they controlled things pretty well throughout, save perhaps for the opening exchanges when, as expected, the home side enjoyed the territorial advantage and ran with some conviction, only stout defence and a couple of handling errors denying them a score.

The East Lothian side were not helped by an injury to lock Jonny Sked, the big man twisted in a tackle and sustaining a neck injury, this the third such injury in as many Biggar games. On this occasion, while an ambulance was immediately summoned, there was a delay of just over an hour with the match official Ramsay Darroch making a decision to continue only after the paramedics had assessed Sked and were prepared to have him stretchered off the pitch. This is never a nice situation for any team and the best wishes of Biggar go to Jonny who is by all accounts recovering.

With some 7 minutes remaining of the half, Biggar were reduced to 14 men just after the match restarted, Andrew Peacock shown a yellow and the side had to defend hard to keep PL out. This achieved, they managed a crucial try of their own just before the break.

This was their third score and Nimmo’s second and was converted by Carne Green for a 17-6 half time lead, the first two scores credited to Sinclair and of course Nimmo who certainly made an impact when he came on for Dan O’Connell. Both of the first scores were long range efforts involving good passing and real pace.

Neither side had found the re-start after such a long delay easy and they were then brought o a halt again as the usual half time break was called. As time was marching on the PL club had their floodlights primed for the second half.

Having just stretched ahead Biggar could not have wished for a better start as almost directly from the kick off a Green kick had PL fullback Jonathan Brash in bother. The resultant scrum provided good ball for scrum half Davy Reive who fed Green. The stand off made one of his trademark miss passes to find Aird Jardine. The fullback popped the ball to winger Ross Bradford whose pace took him clear of the cover and over for a try which Green converted for 24-6.

Robison thought he was over for a try after a lineout error but play was pulled back, this coinciding with the return of Peacock. PL had a period of better play when their pack went for a lineout drive, this eventually brought to an end as referee Darroch, having issued an instruction to ‘use it’ had no option as the pack retained possession, to blow for a Biggar scrum.

Having extricated themselves from their 22 Biggar scored their 5th try through Sinclair, the winger benefiting as Jamie Orr took a ball from the PL throw. Green’s conversion struck the upright before bouncing out.

Makeshift flanker Craig McDonald, who had come on in the fist half after a clash of heads between Warnock and Calum Braid left the former with an ugly cut to the nose, was next to cross. Taking a neat off load he bundled his way over from some 10 metres showing great determination in the process.

The next three tries went to Green in what was a remarkable 10 minute spell for the Kiwi stand off. The first saw him make a neat dummy before sprinting past the missing PL defence, the second after he won the chase to his own neat grubber kick and then the third after he took an interception pass from PL stand off Chris Dixon who was gamely looking to keep play moving. PL’s was a tired and disheartened back division however and the very same fate befell Dixon’s next movement, Robbie Lavery nipping in to take another interception to run in from half way. Green’s tries and conversions left him with a personal tally of 27 points.

That Biggar won was due in no small part to the relentless driving and carrying play of the pack. All 8 were involved and this meant that PL were as often as not on the defensive, two players or more comitted to pulling the Biggar players down. Add some genuine pace and a little confidence and the win was there. PL were not the worst side Biggar have played to date and they did pose problems while Biggar should have scored at least two other first half tries, these coming to grief as errors were made and balls dropped.

There was a great deal of satisfaction at this comprehensive victory however, one which the very welcome travelling support thoroughly enjoyed and which put to bed somewhat the recent poor set of results and performances Biggar have endured at PL’s hands.

The surprise results from Dumfries and Kirkcaldy made the win all the sweeter of course.

Next up is a home match against Lasswade. A big support would be most welcome, so if you can, please get along on Saturday. KO 3pm

Of course as delighted as the club was at this result and the league position, there was a cautionary tale as for the second week running there was no 2nd XV. Tup sales, holidays and injuries have taken their toll but it is really important that the club gets a 2nd XV out. To that end all players are asked to make themselves available for this Saturday when Hawick Force make the trip to Hartree Mill.

Girls host Caithness

On Sunday it was only the Girls who were in competitive action (the Boys Youth teams were on their October break while the micros and minis were training). In the Girls Mirage Conference Biggar hosted the far-travelled Caithness teams at both U15 and U18 age groups. The U15’s ran out winners by 55-31 while the U18’s also came out on top by 64-19 although this was a development match as Caithness struggled to get a full team out. Thanks to Bill Denholm for the following report.

Biggar U18's

Biggar’s first game of the season was at Caithness and this time Caithness made the long journey south for the return leg. Caithness, however, were only able to travel with 11 players and the game was played as a development game.

With the conditions overcast and with a fairly strong breeze, three periods of twenty minutes were played. Biggar provided a player to Caithness for the first period and the game was played at 12 aside.

With some of the regular team away on Duke of Edinburgh Silver expedition or on holiday, Biggar were able to give new team members the opportunity to get some valuable game time.

The first period saw Biggar take control scoring three tries to Caithness’s one, although the Caithness girls always posed a threat. (19 – 7).

In the second period, all the girls started to gel as a team with the newer players learning from the more experienced players and they scored four unanswered tries (45 -7).

The third period saw some good kicking from hand from Geraldine Kimm and was competitive to the end with Biggar scoring three tries to two from Caithness. The game was played in very good spirits and both squads will have gained valuable experience.

Caithness awarded Emily Armstrong man of the match and Biggar gave the award to the Caithness Fly half. Biggar’s man of the match went to Lucy Blackie for her impressive display after just a few weeks of rugby and scoring her first try.

Thanks to the SRU referee and to Tammy Mitchell and Jane Stevens for preparing some hearty food to send the Caithness squad off on their long journey and to Jane Robinson for filming the game. Thanks also to Fairlee Kimm and Ally Bandtock for their sterling efforts in the kitchen alongside the under 15 parents.

We are awaiting news of Chloe Nelson who in her first game went off to the hospital with a suspected broken collar bone, we wish her well.

Next game is away next week to Hillhead.

Story date: 17/10/2017

Another 5 pointer as Whitecraigs come calling

Biggar 45 Whitecraigs 24

Another 5-pointer for Biggar as they ran in 7 tries (to 3) against Glasgow side Whitecraigs.

In reality this was pretty much the result that had been expected as Whitecraigs currently languish in second bottom spot of National 2. Nothing can be taken for granted however and while Biggar shot into an early lead and were 30 points to the good at the break, a much improved performance by the visitors had Biggar reeling and at one point threatening to lose the match.

Fortunately things got back on track and normal service was resumed, Biggar notching a late try to end the match on a positive note.

This was another entertaining match and another of two distinct halves, Biggar on this occasion starting really well before losing their place somewhat for the third quarter when Whitecraigs got far more of the ball and began to dictate.

The very unlucky Ewan Stewart was ruled out of action following a hand injury sustained last week against GHK, Andrew Orr moving forward from the back row to hooker. Douglas Notman returned at No 8 to join Alan Warnock while Andrew Peacock played at lock. The backs were as last week with the other changes on the bench, Kevan Robison and Ross Bradford joining last weeks replacements Gregor Stewart and Guy Kelly.

In relatively bright conditions and with Scotland’s lady referee Alex Pratt in charge Biggar opened at a cracking pace, scoring a try through Euan Bogle after just 5 minutes, this following a clearance kick from Whitecraigs which failed to find touch and which gave Biggar the chance to counter. Several simple passes later and Robbie Lavery had options to go left or right. In choosing left Bogle was given a clear run to the corner. Carne Green was not able to add the conversion from far out.

Whitecraigs hit back with a penalty from fullback Stephen Gillies but this was against the run of play, Biggar scoring a second try after a patient build up when they retained possession through a number of phases. There were a number of charges to the line, these from Callum Braid, Notman and Green before ball was whipped back left to Jamie Orr who crashed over. The young lock had a cracking match throughout deservedly earning him the man-of-the-match award although other contenders included Braid and Ewan Sanderson who as always put in big hits from start to finish.

Shortly after the restart Orr initiated a midfield break, his off-load finding Braid who set off for the line some 40m distant. A despairing tap tackle was all that prevented him from scoring and while a ruck spawned ball for Davy Reive who looked to most to have scored, Ms Pratt was not so convinced, awarding Biggar a scrum some 5m out instead.

A handful of probing runs took play to the line again and again, a pass to Alistair Sinclair seeing him claim the space for a try in the corner….but no, not this time either as Ms Pratt gave the visitors a 5m scrum. Having made things really difficult for Whitecraigs from the scrum, Biggar pounced on the loose ball, Reive seeking out Ryan Moffat with what, to all intents and purposes was a crash ball, the centre crossing for another good score. Green added the conversion and Biggar were 19-3 up.

Minutes later and Biggar claimed their 4-try bonus point, the all-important try credited to Bogle who cleverly chased and won the race to his own kick ahead.

Biggar were handling with some confidence which was great to see and which ended with their 5th try, this again following a kick and chase, this time from Aird Jardine who crossed virtually under the posts and which Green converted.

The second period began with a much fresher Whitecraigs approach, all of the players buying into the run-it-from-everywhere approach and in sharp contrast to GHK last week, ‘Craigs managed to hold onto their ball quite easily, which continued to put the Biggar defence under real pressure.

Biggar managed to hold their line intact to begin with time but would eventually tell and this was the case as flanker Neil Alexander drove over from close range for a try which was converted by Gillies. 33-10

Biggar then lost the services of Bogle who was guilty of a late hit on ‘Craigs stand off Stuart Henderson. Enjoying the 1-man advantage so provided, ‘Craigs continued to press and enjoyed this prolonged passage of play which they used to dictate the pace of the match. Following a penalty award which was tapped and given to replacement Chris O’Donnell, there was really no way which Biggar could have employed to halt this giant’s charge for the line. Needing no second invitation the big man crashed over for a try converted by Gillies for 33-17. Things were now getting quite interesting and there were many Biggar supporters who began to unhappily cast their minds back to the Peebles match when things went very wrong and when Biggar contrived to lose a match they had hitherto had under control.

Having made a couple of changes, perhaps the most significant being the replacement at scrum half of Reive by Jardine, Biggar managed to sort themselves out a bit. The next score came out of the blue however and was sparked when a loose ball was gathered by Moffat. The centre broke through some unconvincing initial defence before breaking clear into midfield. Having made 40m he popped the ball to the ever-present Orr, who in turn fed Sanderson. The flanker took the ball on and when eventually hauled down, found Jardine with a neat offload, the fullback running in close to the posts – a well worked try. Green added the conversion for 40-17

‘Craigs were not down and out however and they responded well with their third score, this after they had enjoyed another sustained passage of play in the Biggar 22, No 7 Ross McDonald credited with the score, Gillies adding the 2 points for 40-24.

There followed a prolonged stoppage after ‘Craigs centre Wamberg collided with Moffat, both players complicit in the collision as both were arguably too high in contact. While Moffat sustained a blow to his cheek he was able to continue, Wamberg less fortunate and he was stretchered from the field with a neck brace. This (happily) proved to be precautionary and he was back on his feet after the match.

The final try went fittingly to Orr who rounded off an excellent display with this his second score. He was almost over minutes earlier and he could have set Stewart in at the corner but the try was merely delayed as Biggar pummelled the ‘Craigs line before Jardine and Green combined well to free the lock for a dive at the corner.

Although there was time for the restart the game was virtually over and the next stoppage saw referee Pratt blow for full time.

Plus points came in the form of Jamie Orr who was prominent in every aspect – restarts, lineouts, defence and attack – while the mobility of prop Callum Braid, another who shines in the loose as well as doing his bit in the tight, continues to impress. It would again be hard to pick any one player who did not make a very positive contribution to the game at some point, the trick for coaches Mercer and Wilson, both of whom were on a school trip to France at the weekend, being how they can get the squad to play for a whole 80 minutes, the general feeling being that if they could, they would be a match for any team in the league.

So Biggar cling onto joint 4th spot with Lasswade, the East Lothian side also claiming a 4-try bonus.

This weekend Biggar journey to Preston Lodge, a trip they have never relished and at which they have seldom triumphed. Onward and upward!

The 2nd XV were forced to postpone their match after they suffered a large number of call off's due to work and injury. This is really disappointing as again there were many players who missed out on thier game. To that end if you are of playing age, PLEASE make yourself available. Your Club Needs You!

Mirage Conference Biggar v Ayr

U18 Girls Ayr 15 Biggar 41

Biggar girls travelled to Ayr for the re-scheduled match from earlier in the season which was postponed due to waterlogged pitches. Biggar travelled with a full squad however the hosts were only able to field 11 players and the match was played as a development game.

It was agreed by the coaches and the referee that three periods of twenty minutes would be played with Biggar providing three players to Ayr for each period. The game was played in good spirits and both sides were able to gain some worthwhile experience and the new players to the Biggar squad (Megan Paterson, Lucy Blackie and Megan Forster) were able to take part in all the sessions. The Biggar girls came out on top with a final score of 41 – 15.

Many thanks go to the coaches, Charlie and Callum who was ably assisted by Rory and in particular Hamish.

U15's Ayr 10 Biggar 40

Our girls worked well as a team today and it showed. Excellent performances from all, with at least 3 contenders for Girl of the Game! Great leadership from our Capt Emma Orr and Vice Mariana Finlayson and team spirit from everyone. We’re proud of you. As a side we won 40 - 10.

The girls next game is against Caithness at home on Sunday 15th October, with kick off at midday for both the under 15 and under 18 squads and any support would be greatly appreciated.

Story date: 11/10/2017

Shogun Conference update

In the Shogun Conference the Colts on Saturday preceded the 15’s and 16’s in journeying north to Inverness for their matches against Highland RFC.

It was not an easy day for the Colts who lost out heavily by 92-7 while the 16’s were also defeated by 52-15.

It was left to the 15’s to return with a win, their 50-0 victory being a great result.

Highland were unable to send their S1 and S2 sides south as was scheduled as this weekend coincided with their October week holiday. The Conference matches are now suspended as most other regions have their Autumn break.

Story date: 11/10/2017

Fantastic come back at GHK earns 5 points

GHK 26 Biggar 38

This was another incident packed contest, another game of two distinct halves, another with a barrow load of tries (9 in total) and another with some great running rugby from both sides. It’s not clear quite how much of this the loyal Biggar support can take – their side was 14-0 down before they came into the match – but if they can continue to mount second half revivals on the scale of these last two outings then it is going to be a long yet exciting season!

Calum Braid - who was later awarded the man-of-the-match award for his contribution in both attack and defence – returned to the front row for the unavailable Donald Voas, this allowing Euan Sanderson to return to the starting line up, one of his fellow back row being none other than Ross Jackson who was without a match at his new club Marr, but who is dual registered and only too keen to pull on the Biggar jersey once again.

Ross Bradford was a late injury call off in the backs and his place was taken by Euan Bogle with James Barr called up from 2nd XV action to the bench.

GHK and their fellow pitch-sharing mates Glasgow Hawks have not had their troubles to seek this season after a ‘sink-hole’ appeared slap bang in their 1st XV pitch. They have been forced to scour Glasgow for alternative temporary accommodation and while several games have been played at Balgray (home of Kelvinside Academy) the pitch there has not been able to withstand the extra traffic and so Saturday’s match took place on one of the back pitches at Old Anniesland. While there was no doubting the quality of the surface there was some concern over the absence of a pitch surround rope which meant that spectators were right on the touchline. This made the touch-judges task all the more difficult. Fortunately nothing untoward occurred but it is something which the club should address before their next match.

Kicking off and starting in similar fashion to Dumfries last week GHK put Biggar under immediate pressure, stand off Danny Campbell hitting a great line off quick ruck ball to crash over for the opening score. He added the conversion for an all too easy 7-0 lead.

Running ball at every opportunity GHK were soon back on the attack and on 12 minutes their big prop strolled through a somewhat weak Biggar defence for the second score and with Campbell adding the conversion it was 14-0 for the city side.

Biggar had their moments but too often play broke down as penalties were conceded or as ball was fumbled. A Carne Green penalty attempt rebounded off the upright to give GHK some panicky moments but a forward pass from the Biggar attack allowed GHK to clear.

Biggar still enjoyed territorial position however and a penalty gave them good field position on the GHK 22. Ball moved right saw Braid and then Ewan Stewart handle before Ryan Moffit took a crash ball, his run taking him over for Biggar’s opening score. Green’s conversion made it 14-7.

Although neither side’s lineout was working particularly well both sides engineered important steals on their opponents throw, Alan Warnock taking one such steal when GHK were next in a good attacking position.

This was quickly followed a by a neat break from Green which took him through the GHK defence and into open space. He elected to pass wide to Bogle who also made good yards before a great cover tackle ended the move. Unfortunately the tackle ended in a pile up which left the GHK flanker Jamie Cook prone. A prolonged stoppage was necessary while he received attention. Ultimately, while there was discussion about moving the match to the adjoining pitch, the player was transferred to a stretcher and moved out of harm’s way.

It is understood that Jamie recieved a 'stinger' and that he is recovering. Best wishes from BRFC.

Play had been held up for some 15 minutes and whether this had a major impact on the match is difficult to tell save that Biggar seemed to play with greater authority after the stoppage then they had before.

Penalties were awarded on a fairly regular basis by referee Ruaridh Smith and while this didn’t really allow the game to flow all were easy decisions to make and in the most, fairly clear cut. Neither side gained a particular advantage either, save that later in the game, it seemed likely that a GHK player was shown a yellow although this never happened.

Gregor Stewart and Douglas Notman had replaced Robbie Lavery and Andrew Orr respectively and both made telling contributions, Stewart with some good hands and Notman with typical belligerence in and around the contact area.

A second penalty kick from Green was pushed wide while a similar award to GHK saw them tap and go, this causing all sorts of problems for the Biggar defence and somewhat against the recent run of play, eventually a 3rd try, this falling to winger Marc Taylor and coming just before half time. Campbell’s excellent touchline conversion rebounded off the upright before slipping over for 21-7.

Biggar mounted an attack on the restart, this after a GHK fumble, and they should probably have scored from two good attacks, one on each wing, but on each occasion the GHK scramble defence was up to the task. A penalty award led to a lineout but a knock on allowed GHK to kick the ball dead for the break.

Having conceded a score just before the break Biggar needed a quick riposte although this didn’t come in the normal manner. An early GHK attack stretched Biggar’s defence but Green took a gamble – much in the same way as Ruardhi Jackson had done in the Glasgow game the night before - and made a timely interception, this taking him clear to the line although it couldn’t come quick enough as the cover defence was getting back quickly. Bogle added the conversion for 21-14.

Able to get straight back on the attack courtesy of a Jamie Orr tackle and Sanderson jackal, Biggar kicked for the corner and an attacking line. Braid advanced play and then Reive found Green from the ruck. A huge miss pass was then delivered to Stewart who had a relatively easy run in for Biggar’s 3rd try which, when converted well by Bogle, had the sides level at 21 a-piece.

‘Can’t kick, won’t kick’ was certainly the GHK mantra, their desire to run ball from everywhere admirable but if the handling isn’t good then the side is immediately put under lots of pressure and this was definitely the case as time after time when field position could so easily have been gained by a clearing kick, the decision to run was taken. And almost inevitably ground lost as passes were fumbled.

Biggar’s lineout was struggling to function efficiently, especially as hooker Ewan Stewart had taken a knock to the hand, Orr eventually deputising in this role. Moffit profited from a good quick pass and perhaps should have made the line but his off-load failed to go to hand, Lavery knocking on with the line easily reachable. Bogle was just wide with a penalty but struck the next cleanly to give his side the lead for the first time at 24-21.

To add insult to injury GHK’s restart was kicked dead (this to add to several missed touches in the first half) and play taken back to half way.

In contrast to GHK’s ‘no kick’ ploys Biggar controlled proceedings pretty well with Reive, Green and Jardine ensuring ball was kept in front of the pack with a variety of box and grubber kicks. In addition the ferocious offensive tackling from Notman, Braid, Jamie Orr and Sanderson and their work at contact meant that GHK were given precious little time on the ball.

Bogle scored the 4th Biggar try, this of course a bonus point score, the winger tearing in at the corner after Green had combined well with Lavery, the centre’s miss pass finding Bogle who slid in at the corner. The conversion from out wide was just short but at 29-21 the advantage was at last Biggar’s.

GHK had a chance to put Biggar under pressure following a high tackle from Bogle but frustratingly for the home support the penalty was kicked long and dead allowing Biggar another escape.

Back on the attack and up quickly to defend as GHK ran again with some purpose – their backs will surely never make as many handling errors again this season – Lavery took a fumbled pass to pop ball to Green on Biggar’s 10m line. The stand off had the legs (just) of the cover defence and ran in for his second try of the afternoon. Bogle added the conversion to take Biggar two scores clear.

It’s been done before of course (Peebles is still too fresh in the memory) and there remained some nervous moments as GHK flung everything they had left at Biggar. Stout defence did its job but with the final movement of the match a driven maul did end on a positive note for the home side as they notched their 4 try bonus point.

It was Biggar however who took the lion’s share of the spoils to remain in 4th spot in the league behind Kirkcaldy, Hamilton (who ended Dumfries’ winning run on Saturday) and Dumfries. It is not too often Biggar return from the city with a 5 pointer, rarer still after being two scores down at the break…..but it would be good not to have to rely on second half comebacks!

The Biggar support on Saturday was, as always, excellent. It was supplemented on Saturday by Biggar Young Farmers who were hosting exchangees from Gower YF in Wales. The visitors had a great afternoon and livened things up with a number of touchline songs with lock forward Jamie Orr their clear favourite!

The 2nd XV had their first outing for a month on Saturday when they travelled to take on Boroughmuir 3rds. To frustrate Biggar the city side triumphed with what was virtually the last play of the game. 17-13 was the final score.

Story date: 11/10/2017

Biggar Girls in Mirage Conference action

Mirage Conference

U15 Girls

Stirling County proved to be a much improved squad from previous years while Biggar’s U15’s include several who are new to the game.

As a result the strong running of the Stirling girls made this a very difficult day for the Biggar squad, the visitors running in a barrow load of scores. On a positive note however, the Biggar effort never once wavered and the girls deserve great credit for their efforts in very challenging circumstances.

U18 Girls

Biggar 22 Stirling 14

With both clubs able to field full teams and with neither side having lost so far this season, this was always destined to be a very competitive match and so it turned out.

Stirling started with the strong wind at their back and applied constant pressure for the first 15 minutes although a very resolute Biggar defence prevented any score. Biggar then began to find their form and after a period of sustained pressure scored their first try when Biggar No.10 Sarah Denholm spotted a gap in the Stirling defence and scored between the posts, conversion added by Emily Armstrong. Biggar continued to secure good ball and a second try was scored by Julia Bell. Both sides continued to play good rugby and Stirling scored a converted try to take the score to 12 – 7 at half time.

Biggar started the second half very strongly with constant pressure resulting in Stirling giving away a whole string of penalties and the Biggar squad kept their composure to secure a third try scored by Abi Bandtock taking the score to 17 – 7. Stirling challenged the Biggar defence and after a well worked move with the point of attack changing several times, scored under the posts with the extra conversion points added taking the score to 17 – 14.

With the match very even at this point it was Biggar who continued to press strongly and after a penalty kicked to touch secured the ball from the resulting lineout and after several phases of play touched down their fourth try and second for Julia Bell. This took the score to 22 – 14 and it was to remain at this through to the final whistle. This was a very entertaining game showing good skills from both teams and the Biggar coaches will be very satisfied by the all-round team performance particularly in defence.

Thanks must also go to Jane Robinson for videoing the game and to Jane and Murray Brown and Marion Hughes for their sterling work in the kitchen.

Story date: 04/10/2017

Colts come up short against West

Shogun Conference Biggar Colts 12 West of Scotland U18 17

Following the dreadful news about his involvement in a car accident mid-week, Jordan Gray was absent from the team and awaiting surgery to repair broken bones. This is a massive loss to the team but, most importantly, Jordan will be around to tell us all the tale when he gets home. The Colts wish Jordan all the very best and a speedy recovery.

The dull thud of last weeks defeat at the hands of Ayr left a nasty taste in the mouth but in truth it's always a challenge for coaches to establish real continuity when you have players away on other duties.

West were decisive from the kick-off and didn't waste any time in getting the scoreboard going with a converted try after 3 minutes. The visitors were playing with intensity. Take heed Biggar.....your opponents are well and truly up for this.

Biggar didn't realise at this point, but the next 67 minutes would be full of set-backs, and dull thuds. The first one of those saw the premature departure of Lewis Stewart who had to leave the field after 5 minutes following a meaty challenge with his opposite back rower (suspected Collar bone). Colts pulled together swiftly and Matthew Stewart's try on 8 mins displayed true quality. The precise and simple nature of the move from the set piece scrum on the West 22 was a joy to watch. It was built on defiance, attitude and opportunism. A real team effort.

But after that the game turned frantic and disjointed, however Biggar were still advancing and with good numbers too. Drew Brewster's line breaks were effective which put West on the back foot and saw them penalised for not rolling away. Steele pulled the place kick.

Biggar pushed forward again and tried to recycle the ball quickly. West not 10. Another penalty. Another miss from the tee. Most definitely out of character for the full-back.

A lot of the game was played in the middle of the pitch and no one had any real control. It was West that pulled away at the end of the first half with a penalty kick to bring the score line to 5-10.

Biggar's early efficiency had melted into uncertainty. When Steele's penalty kick to touch earned them a throw five metres from the West line it was as if they could just help themselves to the ball.

Biggar conceded a rash of penalties in front of their posts and West exploited the mistakes to score another converted try to extend their lead. It was symbolic of a second half that deteriorated into a fractious affair and to add to the frustration Colts lost scrum-half Finlay Barr to an ankle injury. Wallis deputised.

There was a glimmer of hope because the most of the second half was played fairly well in the West half but there remained uncertainty and imprecision. That hope took another blow when Andrew Reid was knocked out and had to be stretchered off.

Biggar had to bring something to the party and eventually did with a good period of pressure and a healthy mix of vim and vigour. Daniel McConkey and Craig Frame showing leadership in the pack and moving forward at every opportunity.

Scott Paton nailed his first try of the season by crashing over the line to close the gap to 5 points. It may not have been as pretty as the first try but that didn't matter. The forward had a bit of work to do and showed strength and determination. Ali Steele added the extras.

A possible victory could be had although the clock was ticking down. Too little, too late. Biggar couldn't capitalise on the territory they had and it was nothing like enough to close things out. The game ended with that same bitter taste sampled the week previous. West would need scraped off the ceiling with delight and only their second win of the season. Biggar would be left climbing the walls!

Tries: Matthew Stewart, Scott Paton Conv: Ali Steele

Story date: 04/10/2017

Shogun Conference update

On Sunday the Boys were in action against West in the Shogun Conference.

The S1 and S2 sides were at home but neither side could get the better of their visitors, West claiming the points with a 31-0 win at S1 and a 21-11 win at S2.

Biggar Under 14’s

The boys put in another terrific display against West of Scotland in a highly competitive encounter on Sunday losing by 21 points to 11 points.

Although West went in front with 2 early tries it was Biggar who gained the upper hand towards the end of the 1st half replying with a try from Callum McLemon but also losing out on 2 further scores which should have been taken.

The West winger was being given space to get his pace up and angle running which Biggar failed to deal with. However, Biggar never given in and often put West on the back foot to score a further 2 tries from Ben McBride and Christopher Barrett . Finlay Crozier converted two of three tries.

Biggar attack is as strong as any other team in this league but too often it is the defence (tackling) which needs continual work on. Everyone needs to tackle not just a few.

We must not take away how well these boys have moved forward in the last few weeks with coaches Doug Roper and Mark Yates driving the boys from the front.

Attitudes have changed and its these little things that make a big difference.

The other change is that they now have a squad and they are all proud to be playing for each other. This team will not give up and they really are great to watch.

The glory in this team is their ability to rise every time they fall. Many others could learn from these boys.

The 15’s and 16’s were at Burnbrae.

The U15s returned to winning ways with a 52 - 0 win away at West on their 4G pitch.

Scoring started after 4 minutes with a direct run and try from Jonathan Smith. West then put the boys under 10 minutes solid pressure with the ball being held up over the try line a couple of times. The defence remained strong and organised and when Biggar eventually got the ball they started to link up and the trys followed.

First of all for outside centre Lewis Campbell with a try collected perfectly form a bouncing ball after a kick over the top from Euan Laing followed by one from flanker Kaleb Millar with a drive through the middle. Next up was Murray Lean with a strong inside centre cut back from 10 yards out to cut through a wall of defence.

In the second half the forwards got more of the trys with first Fraser Simpson breaking through the middle for a break away try. This was followed up by Jonathan Smith's and Kaleb Millar's second and topped off with an injured Sam Taylor keeping his try scoring count continuing.

6 of the 8 trys were converted by captain for the day Euan Laing.

The rain barely stopped and their was lots spilled ball and knock on's but by keeping West out and the score board moving the team was able to play lots of people in different positions and gain lots and lots of experience.

Thanks to hosts for a match always played in the best tradition of rugby.

In a close but very high-scoring match the 16’s lost out by 44-38 (loss)

The Colts, 15’s and 16’s face a long trip north at the weekend when they journey to Inverness to take on Highland

Unfortunately their S1 and S2 sides cannot make the trip south as this weekend coincides with the Inverness October holiday which means they cannot raise numbers to travel. While Biggar are seeking alternative fixtures it might mean a week off for these sides but with a scheduled break in the programme to cater for the October week break here this may mean a fortnight’s break.

Story date: 04/10/2017

Biggar and Dumfries serve up a thriller

Biggar 26 Dumfries 29

It seems that Biggar’s matches this season are proving to be not only particularly exciting affairs but also full of incident – sufficient to ensure there is plenty of post match debate at least.

The first match of the season saw the side notch up a win against a confident Hamilton side; a fortnight ago against Peebles, Biggar managed to lose a game in the dying minutes which they had hitherto seemingly had in the bag; last week in Aberdeen the side racked up Biggar’s largest league total for many a year while on Saturday the side clawed their way back into a match most present felt at half time (when they were 24-5 down) they had lost. More was to follow as in the last minute the decision was taken opt for a scrum and a try to win, instead of what appeared to be a relatively simple penalty which would have given them a valuable draw and which would have perhaps, more importantly, ended Dumfries’ winning run.

Was it bravado, bravery, foolhardy…..each opinion had its backers in the post match chat, with a general failure in communication deemed the reason for opting for the scrum though there seems no doubt either that the second half finished abruptly, there having been a prolonged period of injury time after a clash of heads which might have seen Dumfries claw their way back from the kick off had Biggar kicked the penalty.

No matter, Biggar collected 2 points courtesy of their losing and 4-try bonus, Dumfries picking up a maximum 5 from their part in the 8-try feast.

Unbeaten before the match and unbeaten after the match, Dumfries were delighted to record their win and so they should be, their side easily the best prepared Biggar have encountered to date and clearly relishing their promotion from National 3 last season.

Biggar rang the changes again as injury/illness deprived them of Euan Sanderson and Andrew Nimmo, their deputies being Donald Voas and Douglas Notman, the No8/flanker returning after injury. Jamie Orr replaced Callum Dunlop at lock while in the backs a fit again Ryan Moffit returned to the centre, Gregor Stewart dropping to the bench where he was joined again by Andrew Peacock, Euan Bogle and Guy Kelly.

This was the ultimate in those matches which fall into the category of being a ‘game of two halves’, Biggar down and out at 24-0 and then 24-5 at the break and yet managing to win the second half by 21-5.

An early barrage of attacking play by the visitors saw Biggar on the ropes as Dumfries ran at great pace, posing all sorts of questions to the Biggar side. Within three minutes of the start a rumble by Dumfries prop Scott Goodwin saw the Biggar line breached and gave fullback Sam Hiddleston a relatively easy run in under the posts, John Carlisle easily adding the conversion for 7-0.

Robbie Lavery got back well to thwart a breenge by hooker Zeke Dyson and Carlisle missed a penalty while a break by Hiddleston on the right flank should have perhaps seen Dumfries score again, Biggar just managing to scramble back and defend their line.

In their 22 again skipper Alan Warnock who, as usual, provided a captains lead throughout, tidied a lose ball in the Biggar 22, but it was Dumfries who were calling the shots at this point, the National 2 newcomers running some great angles and at real pace.

Biggar’s defence has not been under just as much sustained pressure in any other game although they did have some forays up into the Dumfries half where they met some resolute defence and where they found it difficult to hold onto possession. At every opportunity Dumfries ran the ball or kicked it back to resume their threat. Another penalty from Carlisle proved tantalisingly close as it rebounded off the upright and which had Biggar scrambling as Warnock tidied again and Green kicked clear.

Ironically, however, the next try came not from a sortie by Dumfries but instead as a result of a real mix up between Biggar centres Moffit and Lavery and when Biggar were in possession, albeit in their half and when running out of defence. Stand off Carne Green shaped to go and pass left but his pass fell to the ground as the centres collided, the ball kicked on and then picked up gratefully by Carlisle who ran through for a score which he again converted for 14-0.

A Biggar attack 10 minutes later foundered as they were penalised, Carlisle kicking to 5 metres out where ball won by Michael Thomson was shipped right, Hiddleston in at a great angle to crash through the despairing Biggar defence for a third Dumfries try which when converted gave them a 21-0 lead.

Biggar then lost the services of hooker Ewan Stewart after a head knock. In reality he should have departed earlier but referee Adam Morrison who is a Kiwi not long arrived in the country and who had a good game otherwise, was content to allow Stewart to stay on and this despite the protestations of Davy Reive. Peacock came on for the unlucky Stewart who will now miss out the next fortnight or so.

Just minutes later and another Dumfries penalty was converted for 24-0.

This seemed at last to galvanise the Biggar effort, the hosts finishing the half on the ascendancy, a series of pick and goes with Orr, Braid, Voas, Green et al in the van taking play deep into the Dumfries 22. Pressure was at last sustained and Dumfries were forced to defend. This they managed although Notman and Jardine both came within metres of the try line. Two penalties conceded by Dumfries both of which were eminently kick-able saw Biggar opt for a scrum and then a tap and go, this eventually spawning ball which Green used right. His wide pass was taken by Lavery who managed to off-load in the tackle to Alistair Sinclair who scampered over for a try which gave Biggar a 24-5 lifeline for the second half.

Biggar began the second period in fine style although crucially they were unable to add to their tally, ball lost when in promising positions and Dumfries managing to escape the immediate threat.

Having survived this initial period Dumfries then scored their 4th try, this coming after the Biggar defence was strung wide and far, Rory Steele crossing with a wee show and go. Carlisle was off target with his wide conversion but at 29-5 it didn’t look good for the home side.

The players had different ideas however and quickly had Dumfries back in their own half and on the defensive again. Voas who saw so much more of the ball this game then in any other so far this season made valuable inroads as did Notman, Braid and Orr with Jardine and Bradford helping by running ball back when Dumfries kicked clear. A hard won penalty gave Biggar an attacking opportunity and in similar fashion to the Dumfries score in the first half, ball won in the air by Jamie Orr was carried forward by Voas. Reive popped the ball out to Moffit, the big man almost unstoppable from close range and crashing over from some 10 metres out although he needed to stretch for the try. Green converted for 29-12.

Now, in what was a purple patch, Biggar probed once again, with all taking ball into contact with a new found confidence. Off-loads which had previously proved inconsistent seemed to stick to hand and Biggar made ground slowly but surely. Euan Bogle who had replaced Sinclair at half time made some good yards with quick feet but it was that man Moffit (having easily his best game so far) who grabbed the next try.

A penalty to the Dumfries 22 saw ball won again by Orr, Reive on hand to provide the link to Moffit who came again as first receiver. His drive seemed destined to come to a swift end such was the Dumfries cover but miraculously he managed to stay on his feet before being half tackled. Able to continue on he burst through the remaining cover to stretch once again for the line, referee Morrison on hand to award the try. Green’s conversion made it 29-19!

With a quarter of the match still remaining it was very much a case of game well and truly on!

In what was real harem, scarem period a clash of heads saw Biggar’s Braid and Dumfries’ McCall depart, this leading to uncontested scrums which with Biggar just edging their opponents in this area, nullified that slim advantage.

The pace of the game was beginning to tell although those who felt Biggar were down and out at half time and breathing too heavily would be delighted to note their continued efforts to take the points from this match. Dumfries were now confined to a defensive role as Biggar continued to press. The precise control which was required was just not quite there however with a couple of lineouts and passes not as accurate as would have been wished.

An injury to Jardine saw him replaced by Stewart who played on the wing with Bradford reverting to fullback. As Kelly had come on earlier for Braid, Biggar had now used all their bench.

Continuing to press Biggar were awarded a penalty which with several minutes remaining they opted to kick for the corner. While the initial foray was halted on the left, play was switched back to the right where Green’s long pass found Notman in acres of space and with a clear overlap. The flanker put his head down though and crashed over for a try which when converted by Green took Biggar within 3 points at 29-26.

And so to the final minute of drama. While Dumfries might have thought that the restart would give them good field position Biggar had different ideas and a break from Green took play deep into their opponents half. Some great interplay between Warnock, Peacock and Lavery maintained the momentum with the two Orr’s providing suitable battering rams to continue the onslaught.

A penalty award came Biggar’s way and in the middle of the park on the Dumfries 22 there was a great opportunity to tie the match.

The rest is now history, a break by Bradford and then by Bogle allowed Biggar to press but each sortie was met by stout defence. A ruck formed and for once Dumfries opted to go for the counter ruck, and as Biggar attempted to scramble the ball back referee Morrison blew for a penalty – cue manic celebrations from the Dumfries squad who knew that the kick to touch would end the match.

For the neutral a cracking match, and while there was understandable frustration and disappointment in the Biggar ranks, the squad can take great heart and solace for the way in which they came back into the match, scoring 4 tries in the process and matching their opponents in every area, save for the penalty count…….

Next up is a tough trip to GHK, the Glasgow side not playing just as well as they did last year but a difficult proposition in the city. Biggar will have to dig deep and rely on their reserve strength as there were a few sore bodies at the end of the game.

Shogun Conference details from Biggar v Ayr

On Saturday and Sunday Biggar’s Colts and Youth sides were pitched in Shogun Conference action against Ayr.

The west coast side inflicted the first full set of defeats over Biggar with none of the sides able to challenge their opponents, well though they played and hard though they tried.

The Colts lost a handful of players to holidays and District commitments and this dealt the side a real blow from which they were always going to struggle, particualrly against one of the top colts sides in the country.

The final tally saw Ayr run out by 47-7.

On Sunday the Youth section posted the following results:

U16's: 0-74 (loss)

U15s: 7-57 (loss)

Following a string of good results and accomplished performances from the Biggar boys this was a harsh lesson in the standard the team is working to reach and how difficult it is to play rugby without retaining the ball.

A very different Ayr team, from the one the boys beat in previous years were quicker and more physical all around the pitch, only heroic tackling from Biggar kept Ayr out for long stretches as Ayr kept winning and retained possession.

One lost match doesn't detract from some fine performances to date and simply refocuses the squad on the work required to compete at this level.

U14s: 10-30 (loss)

The boys retuned from Ayr with their heads held high after competing for much of the game but were unable to overcome a well organised Ayr team losing 30 points to 10 points.

The boys are not interested in offering excuses “It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one”.

The attack was as effective as Ayr, with which their coaches agreed and the results were 3 fine tries by Calum McLemon (2) and Finlay Crozier who also converted one.

At half time the game was evenly poised but in the second half , Ayr with the benefit of a full squad were able to bring on fresh legs.

The boys stuck in well and each week keep moving on positively and more importantly together. They really do encourage each other

Areas of defence and positioning still need worked on but they will take this in their stride and work to get it right.

“Success is not measured by what you accomplish but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained in the struggle against overwhelming odds.

U13s: 0-30 (loss)

The U13s played in atrocious muddy conditions today In Ayr. They even used the showers afterwards which really is a first!
It's hugely frustrating for all involved, that the team consistantly plays competitive rugby that is in no way reflected by the 30-0 scoreline against them.
Biggar absolutely dominate the set piece, winning every scrum, every line out, smashes every ruck, and yet they fumble the ball and cannot stop one or two fast players in the counterattack.
Our S1 squad comprises lots of inexperienced players, who lack the confidence and instinct to tackle without hesitation or to create flowing phases of rugby. BUT this is something that can be fixed, it will take a couple of seasons, but this team will sort this out and will become a force to be reckoned with.

Story date: 28/09/2017

Biggar Colts find Ayr a tough challenge

Biggar 7 Ayr 47

Biggar Colts took to the field for their 3rd home game of the season with Ayr colts the opposition at Hartree Mill. A number of regulars were missing from the team due to other commitments so the team had a number of changes to contend with. This unfortunately showed in the performance as Ayr steamrollered the Rams.

Ayr were a big workmanlike team with good level of skill but on too many occasions they were not made to work for their score. The first score for Ayr came from a home lineout inside the Biggar 22. Ayr having had the throw in threw it squint. Biggar got the option line or scrum and somehow chose line! It went all wrong and was won by Ayr. Quick ball and they were over.

The lineout misfired nearly all day and another carbon copy score was almost conceded from exactly the same position. Unfortunately no-one seemed to switch on for Biggar until 50 minutes had passed. By then it was 40 nil to Ayr and the game was already done. For the last 20 minutes Biggar got their tails up and showed what they can do. They worked their socks off and got an excellent try in the corner. A great break from Drew Brewster saw the ball won and recycled quickly to Jordan Gray. He broke again and fed Ali who got the offload to Jamie Bell for the score.

Final score Biggar 7 Ayr 47

A bad day at the office for Biggar against a team who did not seem that much better but on the day they simply appeared to be much more up for the game than their Biggar counterparts. No-one likes to lose but the nature of this one must give the coaches some concern. The boys need to generate some fire in the belly next week for the home match against West of Scotland to prove this was a one off.

Story date: 28/09/2017

Biggar 1sts rampant in Aberdeen win

Aberdeenshire 0 Biggar 67

Aberdeenshire have finished in the top 5 in the last two National 2 league seasons and have dished out large defeats to Biggar sides when they have journeyed north, these including 51-27 and 49-5 routs. There was some satisfaction then for those Biggar players who had been beaten on these occasions when on Saturday Biggar swamped their hosts with an 11 try, 6 conversion performance. That ‘Shire were seldom if ever in the Biggar 22 is only part of the story as the total could/should have been closer to 100, a number of errors seeing ball dropped or ‘Shire’s last ditch defence preventing scores. On three other occasions Biggar men had ‘scored’ as referee Graeme Ormiston blew his whistle for forward passes.

The satisfaction gleaned from the win – Biggar’s biggest league win for many years and the largest defeat suffered by ‘Shire so far this season - was tempered somewhat by the fact that ‘Shire are clearly suffering badly and that after just 5 games, they appear almost certain to be relegated to National 3 at the end of the campaign.

Biggar’s squad was on familiar lines save for the absence of forwards Jamie Orr (unavailable) and Douglas Notman (injury) and back Stuart Hull (injury). Callum Dunlop (making his league debut at 1st XV level) and Andrew Nimmo (fielded at back instead of front row) came into the pack while Ryan Moffit replaced Hull. Euan Bogle and Guy Kelly on the bench, were others to make their debut appearance at this level.

In warm, sunny conditions but on a pitch with grass so long it had those from the farming fraternity looking for a silage chopper, Biggar were ahead after just 3 minutes. An initial attack ended with an attacking scrum and swift hands moved the ball left to Ross Bradford who cruised over for the first try. While Carne Green was off target with this conversion he made amends with the next, this after Moffit side-stepped the cover defence. His contribution was virtualy overa s shortly afterwards the big centre was up ended in what looked to be a tip tackle, his head rebounding off the turf and ending with him walking shakily to the touchline. Gregor Stewart came on as his replacement.

Play continued with Biggar on the attack, ball carried by Nimmo, Andrew Orr, Euan Sanderson and Callum Baird in turn and then advanced via the backs with alistair Sinclair claiming the first of what would be a hatttrick followed by Bradford’s second – this after a quick tap penalty.

Nimmo was next up, he making good ground every time he was on the ball, this try taking the score to 31-0 and half time.

The chat at the break had been to match the first half tally and this with ‘Shire so out of sorts Biggar managed comfortably with a further 36 points. As suggested the total should have been greater as a desire to get to the line and at times an over-complication of plays led to ball being spilled and opportunities lost. This was somewhat understandable however as rarely in league rugby do sides get the opportunity to play with so little real opposition. Not that the ‘Shire effort faded, their attitude and determination to play, and this after 4 heavy defeats, highly commendable. There is spirit a-plenty which if there is a glimmer of hope for the side may yet stand them in good stead.

Tries after the break came from Donald Voas (he and Kelly replaced Dan O’Connell and Braid) then Kelly, the young prop seeing his feat matched by the other debutant Bogle (who had replaced Sinclair). The winger/fullback was just off target with his conversion attempt but had better fortune from his next attempt, this to Bradford’s hat-trick score.

With coach David Wilson ringing the changes, Sinclair nabbed his second and then at the death, his third to round off the day.

After the huge disappointment that saw the side throw their lead away against Peebles the previous week, this was the only possible response for Biggar and so it was very much a case of ‘mission accomplished’. Errors there were without doubt and on another day these might have proved costly but the accumulatuion of 60+ points is not to be sniffed at and something very few Biggar sides have ever managed.

Things will be very different this coming week when Dumfries Saints, promoted from National 3 last year and currently unbeaten come to Hartree Mill. This will be a massive test for both sides and rekindles another of those ‘derby’ matches with the two clubs having ‘enjoyed’ many previous tight and challenging encounters over the years.

Work commitments, injury and unavailablity meant that despite valiant efforts Biggar were unable to field a 2nd XV at the weekend for their trip to Selkirk. It is anticipated that this will be a one-off and that normal service will be resumed this coming weekend albeit that the side have a scheduled league ‘break’. Coach Doug Fleming is seeking alternative opposition but as yet has nothing confirmed.

Story date: 28/09/2017

Girls host Murrayfield Wanderers

On Sunday the Girls U15 and U18 sides hosted Murrayfield Wanderers in the Mirage Conference.

Having been disappointed after last week when Ayr postponed their matches due to unplayable pitches there was further upset as the Edinburgh sides arrived short of players. The matches were then played as development games which Biggar ‘won’ handsomely, with several Biggar players appearing for the visitors to ensure a contest.

Story date: 19/09/2017

Shogun Conference update v Currie Chieftains

The Boys Youth section were pitched against Currie.

The U13 and U14 sides were at Hartree and honours were shared with Biggar on top at U14, with an excellent performance with some really promising phases and contributions from all with the U13 side, though beaten playing some much better rugby against a good Currie side.

U13s

For the record Fergus Watson scored all the Biggar points in the 22-7 defeat.

U14’s

This team have recently struggled to win games but they have a determination of never giving up. Working together as a team on Sunday they pulled off a great victory against Currie by 23 points to 6. (3 points for a try and 1 for a conversion).

Try scorers on the were Ben McBride (3) , Calum McLemon (2) and Alexander Walpole (1) with Finlay Crozier converting five of the six . Calum and Christopher Barrett lifted the tempo for the boys and they rose to it and were impressive to watch. Alone we can do so little , together as a team we can do so much. Great support, great day for the boys with 16 present in the squad.

U15's

At Malleny Park the U15’s lost their first match of this campaign by to what is likely to be the top U15 side in the Conference but there was some fantastic news as the U16’s won their match by 46-22.

At U15 The first half was close with only a Currie try just before half time opening a gap on the score board. After half time Currie punished some defensive mistakes but Biggar battled on to finish the game with 19 points to Curries 48. A first defeat of the season for the boys but lessons learnt.

These results mean that Biggar, by virtue of winning 3 from the 5 Currie matches edge the ‘whole club’ Shogun Conference points. Well done to all.

Story date: 19/09/2017

Shogun Conference News: Colts v Currie Chieftains

Currie Chieftains U18 5 Biggar Colts 22

The Colts coaches needed a reaction to last weeks defeat to Stirling and got it. However, this game didn't exactly put the wind up your frock! Yes, they bagged a win, but you can't help thinking that there was more to give.

This shouldn't be seen as a negative though, more a 'note to self ' to maintain focus.

Such a summary doesn't take away from the fact that Biggar Colts are 3 wins from 4 and developing a taste for winning in a very tough league. Finlay Barr's induction at Fly-half, albeit a little nervous, can be seen as a success and the young man, who showed willing all day, wasn't afraid to mix things up with the big Currie boys either.

Currie started the stronger side and maintained some pressure in Biggar territory for 10mins or so but the Colts held strong and batted the volley's back at the hosts. The centre partnership of Matthew Stewart and Robbie Orr proved hard nuts to crack in defence and held off the Currie attack closely followed by Jamie Bell at left wing who shut the door often on his black & amber opponents. Biggar's front row also held well in the scrum.

Patience was the key and this was rewarded with two tries before half-time. The first was finished off under the posts by Jordan Gray in 22 mins after a counter attack and six phases of play while Luhann Kotze went over the whitewash 6 minutes later after an eye-catching offload from Robbie Orr - at his purposeful best throughout. Ali Steele converted both tries.

As the half progressed Colts had the measure of Currie with their running lines, interplay and kicks into space but struggled to execute their moves. Whether this was due to the fact that the heavens opened was hard to say (It was particularly wet) but it was frustrating nonetheless. No doubt Currie were equally frustrated as their hard work and intensity yielded nothing in return.

Biggar were well worth the 14-0 lead at the break but they still had work to do. Colts started the second half on the front foot and it wasn't long before Orr worked his magic on the short side following good momentum and added to his team's tally in the right corner. The conversion was narrowly missed.

Currie could not make inroads but it wasn't through lack of trying. They continued to battle but Biggar disrupted their attack. Colts were awarded a penalty between half-way and the Currie 10m line. Steele fancied his chances with the lengthy kick and proceeded to split the posts with an excellent strike to bring the scoreline to 22 nil.

The Edinburgh team showed real resilience and came at Biggar with a flurry of industrious teamwork but it was a fine solo effort by the Currie centre on the hour mark that saved their nil-return blushes. Indeed a sign that even in the face of adversity your opposition can still be dangerous. One thing is for sure...all games played so far have been physical affairs and that is just they way things are at U18 level. Yes, Rugby is a game of evasion but sometimes you need a human bulldozer to get things going. With this in mind, Charles Connolly did a grand job of clearing the way for a final Biggar flourish, but things remained fairly neutral and the Black and Red saw the game out as deserved winners.

Another big fixture awaits Biggar Colts on Saturday when they welcome Ayr U18 to Hartree Mill.

Biggar suffer agony of last minute defeat in local derby

Biggar 30 Peebles 33

A rugby match lasts some 80 minutes plus stoppage time and it was deep into this stoppage time that Peebles scored their 5th try to take the lead for the first time and deny Biggar what had looked to most to be a relatively straightforward win. That Peebles were beaten the previous week by Kirkcaldy in what amounted to very similar circumstances was not lost on the Peebles support who were understandably cock-a-hoop at their win, the first of this campaign.

The mood in the Biggar camp was very different of course with a combination of frustration, disbelief and anger that they had coughed up the game in such a dramatic manner. With 10 minutes remaining and at 30-19 ahead it looked as though Biggar would take the points and deny their rivals that first elusive win but in the end instead of claiming what would have been a priceless 3 from 3 record Biggar could only salvage a losing bonus as Peebles claimed a valuable 5 pointer.

Form is absolutely no guide in a local derby and so it proved as Biggar failed to put the game away, their control of play which had given them a 24-19 half time lead evaporating after the break as Peebles took great pleasure in capitalising on an unusually profligate defence.

Ewan Stewart made a return to the starting XV this to the exclusion of Andrew Peacock although the tireless lock did break his nose against Howe. In the backs Stuart Hull was preferred to Gregor Stewart while Aird Jardine was at fullback with Ross Bradford moving back to the wing for David Paterson.

Early exchanges were even with Biggar pinning Peebles back with a variety of kicks until Biggar enjoyed a prolonged period of pressure in the Peebles 22 with a total of 13 phases resulting in a try for Andrew Orr, the back row/hooker diving over from close range. The lead up was a great passage of play with Biggar pounding at the Peebles defence after Bradford had made the first clean line break of the day. Peebles held out well but eventually play was taken to the line and Orr broke clear. Carne Green added the conversion.

A neat re-start from Greg Raeburn – this a feature of this contest – gave Peebles possession and while the crowd had had to wait 13 minutes for the first score, the second came just 2 minutes later. Peebles hit up via flanker Euan Jackson and then Raeburn popped a neat ball to Murray Brown who split the Biggar defence before feeding Ruaridh Clinch who coasted over for a try converted by Raeburn to level the scores.

A neat break by hooker Ryan Stewart might have come to more save for a timely tackle by Biggar skipper Ewan Sanderson and then a dropped pass while another Peebles sortie into the Biggar 22 saw Jardine plunder another loose pass with Greene able to clear the danger as Peebles were penalised for not releasing.

Biggar hit back from the lineout to this penalty with a sweeping passing movement sending Bradford on another long run, this play ending as Ewan Stewart lost possession in the contact but on the opposite wing, ball being moved easily from side to side.

Not to be outdone Biggar maintained the field position and with another series of tilts at the line with Robbie Lavery, Andrew Orr, Greene and Jardine all to the fore ball was moved left to Bradford who crashed over from short range for Biggar’s second, again converted by Green for 14-7.

In very similar fashion and incredibly frustrating for the sizeable support Biggar ceded possession from the restart and with No 8 Andrew Muir bursting through the middle, Biggar were penalised for playing the ball on the ground. Replacement scrum half Ruairdh Britton (Donald Anderson had left the field with a damaged shoulder) took a quick tap penalty to put Biggar on the back foot. His pass to Brown split the retreating defence and he crossed for a try which Raeburn converted to level the scores once again, this time at 14-14.

With 10 minutes remaining Biggar took the lead again with a Green penalty awarded after Muir was penalised for not rolling away and then after a play begun deep in the Biggar half saw ball moved wide again this time via Green, Gregor Stewart (who had just replaced the injured Hull) and Notman to Lavery. The centre made ground before freeing winger Bradford, these two then combining cleverly to draw and pass, Bradford rounding off the move with his second try which Green converted to open up a gap at 24-14.

Had Biggar managed to see the half out at this point things would surely have turned out very differently but Peebles had very different ideas and capitalised on some weak defence which allowed them to score again, Raeburn missing the conversion but Peebles were now back within one score of Biggar at 24-19.

Turning round to play towards the clubhouse Biggar changed their front row with Donald Voas and O’Connell replaced by Andrew Nimmo and Callum Braid. The home side might have expected to take control of proceedings in this half but while they played well in patches they opted to kick and give Peebles ball, the visitors taking great delight in running this back into contact. There were several handling errors which saw attacks break down, both sides undoubtedly feeling the pressure of this derby match. Green kicked two penalties to put Biggar into what should have been a commanding lead at 30-19, a third attempt awarded when he was taken out after a kick ahead and which saw Peebles Roddy Guiney issued with a yellow card, was pushed wide.

Crucially Biggar were unable to increase their lead while Peebles were a man down, the visitors doing much to frustrate Biggar although the home side lost out by losing possession at crucial times both in open and tight play.

For their part Peebles were content to keep Biggar at bay, neither side really threatening the line. As the minutes ticked by it looked as though there might not be any further scoring, Biggar one try away from a 4-try bonus but unable to turn what little territorial advantage they had into points.

With a half hour gone things began to change as Peebles seemed to up the tempo, running penalties to open the Biggar defence. A Biggar penalty should have eased things but a squint throw from the resultant lineout gave Peebles possession and they continued to play in the Biggar half. A Biggar error then gave Peebles another attacking opportunity which they took Stoddart scoring his second, Raeburn converting to put them within one score at 30-26.

Almost immediately from the restart Biggar lost the services of Jamie Orr who was shown yellow for a tip tackle. Down to 14 the pressure was all on Biggar. Unfortunately while the Biggar defence has until this game been fairly secure it could not contain Peebles who used the full period of added time to steal the match, Callum Anderson plunging over from close range after a series of penalties and plays in the Biggar 22.

Raeburns conversion was immaterial but he was successful, referee George Pounder bringing proceedings to a close.

While Peebles rightly celebrated, frustration, disbelief and anger were as previously suggested the prevalent emotions in the Biggar camp. A 3 from 3 unbeaten run would have been a dream start to this league campaign and although a win at Aberdeenshire would see Biggar 3 from 4, which would still be an excellent return, ‘Shire has not been the happiest of hunting grounds in recent years!

Biggar’s 2nd XV were left without a match after Gala called off their Friday evening contest as they were unable to field a side. This is very frustrating but symptomatic of the problems clubs face in fielding second XV’s.

Story date: 19/09/2017

Colts faced a tough test

Colts Fight Hard in Wallace Country

Biggar Colts visited Bridgehaugh Park on Saturday to take on Stirling County Colts at the top of the Shogun conference. Both teams were undefeated from the 2 previous fixtures and a cracking game was expected. Although the final score – County 62 – Biggar 8 – suggests a one sided affair, the truth is that this fixture was still hugely competitive until the 50 minute mark.

Biggar took the game straight to Country from kick off. An excellent bit of pressure from Lewis Stewart disrupted the ball and it was secured by Biggar. The ball was spun wide and some loose hands in the ruck saw County penalised. Thirty yards out Ali Steele had a go but pulled his kick just wide.

The game was very much a battle of strength, endurance and tackling. Biggar pressed constantly and knocked on the door inside the County 22 but the County defence was superb. They tackled hard and worked harder to deny Biggar any room. Eventually their hard work would pay off and a slip from Biggar would be gratefully received. This was the story of the first half. Biggar worked there socks off to get into a good position only for the ball to be turned over. County would then break with speed and numbers to exploit the gaps in defence – when faced with a team that can punish you so well you can very quickly find yourselves behind. With 20 minutes gone, Biggar found themselves 12-0 down.

Following a good healthy discussion behind the posts Biggar went again and a determination to stamp their authority on the game was evident. A fantastic bit of counter rucking saw the ball won well and Biggar were off down the nearside and into the County 22. With the pressure building on County the ball was spilled and a scrum was awarded to County in the middle of their half. Great work by the pack disrupted the ball which bobbled out at the base of the 8’s feet. Lohan reacted first and got his foot to it. The Biggar fans all held their breath as it looked as though the scrum half would be off for a score but he was grabbed off the ball by the number 8. Penalty to Biggar with no further sanction deemed appropriate. Steele stepped up again and this time, from further out, landed a superb kick. County 12 – Biggar 3 with 8 minutes until half time. Game on!

This County team were made of sterner stuff however. They grabbed the momentum back and took the game to Biggar. Their work-rate was superb and the support play for all 70 minutes was excellent. Another fine run wide left saw this support pay off as Biggar ran out of defenders to allow another score before the half ended.

Half Time: County 19 – Biggar 3

Listening to the boys and coaches at half time you could hear the disbelief. They had played well and matched up to County for 90% of the half but found themselves down by 16 points. Clinical finishing was the difference at half time and it was made to count in the second half too.

Into the second half and County seized the early initiative with an excellent kick that gave them a scrum towards the Biggar 22. From here they moved the ball side to side edging closer to the Biggar line. Biggar defended manfully but eventually a classic snipe by the County 9 saw him in under the posts.

Biggar got themselves up the pitch and earned the try that their endeavour deserved. A good break from Robbie was well supported by the forwards and they earned themselves a scrum on the County 5m line. The scrum was superb and quick ball was won. County managed to stop Matthew albeit illegally and Biggar had a pen within touching distance of the line.

Sometimes hiding in plain sight is possible and the score for Biggar had all the makings of the question “how did County miss that?” about it. The penalty was 7 meters from the nearside touchline and Jordan Gray meandered over to the touchline with a nod to Lohan at 9 that he was there. County loaded all their big men covering all the Biggar forwards except Jordan who was left marked by the County wing. Lohan turned fired the ball to him on the touchline and he steamrollered the wing. Fair play to him he had a manful go at stopping the big number 8 but it was a bit of a mismatch.

Unfortunately that was to be the final real highlight of the game from a Biggar perspective. County were stung back into action at the score and ramped up the pressure and ran in 6 unanswered tries to give the score a frustrating edge.

Full Time: County 62 – Biggar 8

This was a tough shift for all in red and black today but I suspect they learned a lot about themselves and their teammates from the 70 minutes they put in. County were a very good side who had not conceded a try in their previous 2 matches. They also manage to put out two Under 18 XV’s every week – their seconds compete in the Caledonia Tier 4 league - so this is not an embarrassment. The key now is to focus on the positives. The pressure that Biggar exerted on County was phenomenal with a little more composure this could have been a much tighter game. The scrum was superb today. With a relatively inexperienced front 5they stood up to a great deal of pressure and won more than they lost. The work rate shown by Biggar were outstanding. They faded in the last 15 minutes or so but the levels they showed up to that point were superb and will stand them in good stead for the games ahead.

Thanks for this report go to Simon Low

Story date: 11/09/2017

Shogun Conference: Week 3 v Stirling County

Biggar U15's

The U15s won 27 - 5 at Stirling today in pretty horrible wet conditions leading 3 trys to 1 at half time and finishing with 5 trys in total from Arron Millar (2), Kaleb Millar, Sam Taylor and Jonathan Smith. Conversion from Euan Laing.

The conditions made life difficult in attack and County tackled and rucked well to keep the u15s out for long stretches of the game but when the link up play worked it created exciting attacking rugby with a variety of attacking styles demonstrated over the game Well done boys.

Biggar U16's

To all the U16s boys who played today thank you for your excellent efforts in very difficult circumstances. With late all offs and down to just 15 players and 4 out of position the boys were outstanding and up to 29 mins when the score was still 0-0 with two very good teams playing good rugby in terrible conditions. We then had a double injury and were down to 13 players. The final result will show that we were beaten by 6 tries to 1 the club but more importantly the boys can be very proud of themselves of how they never gave up and still managed to score an excellent try with great patience and support play. Without doubt this game will going forward will be remembered for all the right reason and as you all keep developing as players and young men there will be great games in the future. As Sir Alex would say, I am a very proud coach today

Andy Barnett

Report

A game of two halves! With the squad down to the bare bones and 4 lads playing out of position the U16 squad set about the away trip to Stirling County in terrible conditions with huge effort and drive, determined to leave nothing on the park. For 29 minutes the lads seemed to be camped out in the County half, edging closer and closer to the try line, dominating in the set piece and bashing it up the middle really taking the game to the hosts. Unfortunately 2 players injured in the same play on 29 mins saw the lads continue to compete well with 13 players against a Stirling side playing great rugby. But inevitably when your down two players, space opens up and Stirling ran out eventual winners 44-5 however the score line didn't reflect the huge effort put in by the young rams, especially to get the try they so richly deserved. The lads, their coaches and their parents should be very proud of their performance today, a result they can take plenty of positives from and build on for the season ahead.

Story date: 11/09/2017

Biggar take the points at Howe

Howe of Fife 20 Biggar 24

Biggar’s second league match took them over the new Queensferry Crossing into Fife and Cupar where they met the other side relegated from National 1 last season, Howe of Fife.

The Fife club have not had their troubles to seek recently but will doubtless come back stronger as the season progresses. They had a useful XV who ran Biggar close with a final 10 minutes which saw Biggar man up in defence to deny their hosts anything other than a losing bonus.

Biggar fielded largely the same XV which had faced Hamilton last week save that the front row was swapped (Donald Voas and Callum Braid started with Dan O’Connell and Andrew Nimmo on the bench) and with Andrew Orr hooking in place of the injured Ewan Stewart. There was only one change in the backs where Aird Jardine dropped to the bench with David Paterson starting on the wing and Ross Bradford moved to fullback.

In very pleasant autumn conditions Biggar kicked off playing up the not insignificant slope. The early exchanges were relatively even with both sides conceding penalties at what appeared to be an alarming rate.

Howe opened their account from one such penalty but Carne Green was uncharacteristically off target with a kick which would have tied the scores, the ball bouncing off the upright but out of reach of the Biggar support.

On 25 minutes referee Richard downing saw fit to yellow card Howe hooker Connor Crawford for another offside, Green kicking well this time to tie the scores at 3-3. In a breakout Green then saw his grubber blocked with Howe gaining only a slight advantage which was then negated as Biggar stole possession. A great touchline step and turn of pace then saw winger Alistair Sinclair leave the Howe cover almost all in his wake bar for a flailing hand which was enough to knock him off his stride. Passing inside Davy Reive was up to carry the move forward and in truth had the scrum half gone for the corner he would surely have made it but he elected instead to feint to the supporting lock Jamie Orr. Having moved slightly away from Orr his actual pass fell tantalisingly low and Orr knocked the ball on with the line beckoning.

Howe it was who regained their lead, this after David Paterson was caught as he sought to run out of defence, Howe stand off Cameron Ellison the kicker.

Biggar had a chance to put Howe under real pressure from the restart which was dropped but the lineout peel saw the ball nudged forward in the transfer, giving Howe a let off.

Half timepiece then with nothing between the sides and with everything to play for. Coach Gary Mercer rang the changes in the pack as O’Connell and Nimmo came on to replace Voas and Baird.

It’s never good to concede a try at any point in a match but just before or just after half time can often be match winners as they tend to really punish the team which loses out. Biggar suffered this as almost directly from the restart a neat backs move saw Howe’s William Wardlaw take full advantage off a missed tackle to step through and behind the Biggar defence like the proverbial knife through butter. Having made the break he popped the ball back inside to his fellow centre Duncan McIntyre who galloped in under the posts. Ellison added the conversion and suddenly Biggar were two scores behind.

Gregor Stewart and Paterson were then switched for Ryan Moffat and Aird Jardine, the latter’s appearance at fullback seeing Ross Bradford move to the wing berth.

Just as quickly as Howe had scored so Biggar were able to reply though the try when it came was not from a normal source. Having won a penalty which Green dispatched to the corner Biggar made to catch and drive, a tactic they seldom use with any real conviction – until Saturday that is when with Douglas Notman in charge, the pack drove the Howe eight back with some ease before Notman collapsed over the line for a timely try. Green made no mistake despite the narrow angle and at 13-10 Biggar were right back in the mix.

A penalty shortly afterwards by Green tied the scores with a half hour at least remaining.

Biggar then enjoyed what was to become their best period of the match as they played the game almost solely in the Howe half, a number of probing runs ensuring the home defence was made to work really hard – which they largely did – to keep Biggar out.

Something though was bound to give and so it was that Green kicked again for 16-13. Just after this and following a great wee break from Sinclair ball was moved swiftly up the wing. Had the pass been given Biggar would have taken the lead but as it was the ball was gobbled up by retreating Howe man McIntyre who was able to clear the danger.

The score was merely delayed however, as flanker Ewan Sanderson rounded off a very enterprising passing sequence which saw ball moved quickly to beat the Howe cover. Bradford’s break paved the way but the score was made by the swift passing from Lavery and then Sinclair. Green was unable to land the conversion but at 21-13 Biggar had opens up a gap.

Just when it looked as though Biggar might be able to crack on so Howe came back into things a long period of play seeing the turn the tables on Biggar and force the visitors to defend. While they did so fairly well, just as Biggar scored a try so did Howe, lock forward Ryan Milne making the initial break through the Biggar defence before getting the ball inside to his supporting winger Cameron Patrick who crashed over leaving a trail of Biggar tacklers in his wake. Ellison’s conversion made it a one point match with some 12 minutes remaining.

The score ended the game for flanker and skipper Alan Warnock and for lock Andrew Peacock who were replaced by Stewart and Baird.

Biggar hit back once again virtually from the restart, Howe desperately trying to break out but being penalised as Biggar competed at the breakdown. Green struck again for 24-20.

Just as had been the case the previous week against Hamilton Biggar were then forced into a rearguard action as they were pushed back into their half and then their 22 as their opponents strive to get what could have been a winning try. That Biggar held out is to their real credit, played putting themselves in all sorts of positions to halt Howe’s progress.

Ironically the game ended as Howe conceded a penalty this after they had spent some considerable period of time on and almost over the Biggar line. Stand off Ellison and centre Wardlaw it was who conspired to ‘cross’ as Biggar prepared to tackle. There was some debate with the referee as to who to end the match but eventually Biggar kicked clear to hear the final whistle.

Biggar’s away form has never been all that great and for some it was almost a jinx to even talk about an away win. This was surely dispelled for this seasons as while the side were not as clinical or as effective as they had been against Hamilton the specious week, they still manges to secure the league win.

Coaches Mercer and Wilson were happy to take the points but were equally quick to pint out that the overall standard of play a still short of what they sought, something most of the side readily agreed with. Back to the training pitch then with another local derby to look forward to on Saturday when Peebles are the visitors.

Peebles have not enjoyed the best of starts but form goes out the window in this type of fixture and it will all be about which squad wants the win more. A feisty, competitive encounter is likely.

2nds take on Marr at home

Fresh from their great win at Dundee last week the 2nds hosted Marr, one of the top sides in the Reserve League. True to form they took the game to Biggar early on, stretching the Biggar defence and making them work.

The final score of 28-16 was fair but nonetheless hard to take. Marr were the better side but Biggar compounded things by dropping off a few tackles and as their set piece faltered, largely due to the fact that many players are not yet 100% match ready.

This side will develop as the players come together on a regular basis. There were several players making their first start this season and their rustiness showed, hard though they also tried.

Ewan Bogle had a reasonable day with the boot.

A disappointing aspect of the match however was a knee injury to live wire scrum half David McArthur who damaged his already weak knee. This was rotten luck indeed and the club wishes him a speedy recovery.

Story date: 11/09/2017

Biggar take points against Hamilton

After the girls had finished it was the boys turn with the U15’s and U16’s both at home and the S1’s and S2’s at Hamilton. Another tough set of games but with very positive results for the Biggar sides.

Biggar U16s 50- Hamilton 0 This game was halted before half time as limit reached and development match played for remaining time. A fantastic and very structured performance today by Biggar U16 boys produced a barrage of 9 tries in 26 minutes.

These matches are of course in the Shogun Conference and Hamilton were the other side to be promoted to this division after two seasons in the conference below. Another good start then although things will inevitably get tougher…..this week the lads meet Stirling County, a club with a proud record in this competition.

Story date: 04/09/2017

Girls host Hill-Jills

Biggar U18's 61 Hill-Jills 17

This Sunday saw Biggar U18 girls take to the Harteeemill turf for the first time this season, enjoying a 61-17 win over Hillhead Jordanhill.

With the visiting team only managing to muster 10 players thanks in part to the number of injuries sustained in the U19 trials the week before, the game started of as a development fixture with Biggar loaning 2 players throughout the game.

To the credit of all of the Biggar players who pulled on a Hills jersey on the day, they played their hearts out, with Ailie Tucker and Julia Bell having a big hand in 2 of the 3 Hills scores.

With a strong breeze whipping across the first team pitch handling errors from both teams kept the forwards busy scrummaging.

Biggar's quick ball, hard rucking and speed in the outside backs would eventually be the difference between the 2 teams - winger Feebi Robinson, making a welcome return to the team, bagging 4 try's on the day.

The game wasn't always beautiful, flowing rugby but there is still no doubting the Biggar teams potential when they get it right. Not quite with the clinical edge that the had last week the girls still managed to carve up the opposition defence on a number of occasions and can take a huge amount of confidence onto Ayr next week.

Man of the match went to Erica Hughes who, after only a few games with the club, has really found her feet with some ferocious tackling, rucking and running.

Try scorers - Feebi x 4, Geri x 2, Rachel, Emily, Sarah

Story date: 04/09/2017

Colts take points in 2nd Shogun Conf match

Mitsubishi Shogun Conference Biggar Colts 31 Hamilton Bulls 14

Local derby's can either be stuffy affairs or memorable battles with plenty of mouthwatering action. Thankfully, and glad to report, it was the latter that yet another healthy support encountered.

As responses to a week 1 win go this is just what the coaches ordered and any fears of beginners luck would be put to bed. Biggar had early advantage and found themselves on the Hamilton '22'. An attacking scrum for Colts and the first wake-up call for the front row. Hamilton's dominance in the scrum was evident. Their pack was considerably larger and heavier. Biggar would have to adapt to this and show resilience and patience for most of the game in this area of play.

This was a massively physical affair from the outset with some big impacts. The word 'Ooft!' resonated quite often.

The Colts progressed well in the first 10min and put width on the ball quickly and Drew Brewster burst down the left with space but was eventually hauled down and into touch by the covering Bulls Full-back. Hamilton cleared well from the line-out and skipped up-field. A penalty for Biggar off-side gave the visitors the first chance to open their account but the kick rebounded off the post. Matthew Stewart was sharp and collected to make a run to relieve any ensuing pressure. Hamilton came back through a jinky run from the speedy No.11. The crowd thought he was in but the Biggar defence halted him on the 5m line. As an added bonus Lewis Stewart managed to turn the ball over and this would be a signature move for the open-side flanker with no less than 4 turnovers registered in the game.

You could say that with 20 min in that Hamilton found their feet and had a hold on the game but it was only marginal. Biggar hit back with Jordan Gray picking up at the back of the Scrum on the Hamilton 10m line. The big back row was strong and managed to off-load to Luhann Kotze after some close attention from the Bulls defence. Kotze kicked through with Hamilton defenders breathing down his neck. The scrum-half was just off balance and was unlucky not to touch down and the ball bobbled forward. Hamilton cleared their lines from the scrum, no touch found, Biggar advance again, and with numbers. Robbie Orr collected but the back line was too flat. The pass out wide missed everyone and the Hamilton left wing was switched on and kicked forward and won the foot race to score in the corner. The conversion was good, and just like that....Biggar were 7 nil down.

There was no notion of Biggar of lying down until the end of the half. Ali Steele hit back and landed a fine penalty kick and in the blink of an eye, right after the restart, Kotze and a little platoon of team mates combined down the right finding Robbie Orr in space to touch down in the corner. Steele added the extras to bring the half-time score to 10-7 to Biggar.

If the first half was a 'tit-for-tat' political debate the second would be a quick-fire round in a game show, with most of the questions being asked of the Hamilton defence.

Biggar would score another three tries in the second half. An outrageous break on 38min by Jordan Gray found Orr who exploited the space left by the backtracking Bulls defence to run in under the posts. Steele accurate again with the conversion.

Fresh legs in 40 mins saw Andrew Reid and Josh JVR join the scrum and that re-steadied the ship in that department. Colts came back at Hamilton again and displayed some good vision, keeping the heat on with six effective phases and switching the play. This structured approach found Matthew Stewart in support to make sure of another five points. Steele on the mark again to convert.

Biggar tails were up and there's no doubt the impression of a bunch of guys relishing their rugby as things to enjoy was unmistakable. By now they had the measure of the big Hamilton pack and there were some meaty tackles indeed. Orr would be in again to secure his hat-trick after Hamilton made a mistake at the back of their scrum. The fly-half sniped through leaving the Bulls defence flat footed and nothing but the ball and try line for company.

After this you would think the contest would flat line, but think again. And this is what should be admired about all these young men. It's their desire to keep going that gives them the will to return next week and do it all again. Hamilton did just that with some very watchable play that broke the Biggar defence down. It was too late in the day to change the outcome though but they added to their tally with a fine try and narrowed the points difference and they should be commended for it.

The competition in this league will be fierce and if the first two games are anything to go by, and with Stirling County looming this coming Saturday, it's important that the squad remain focussed 'cos things are about to get serious!

Biggar take on Lanarkshire rivals Hamilton

With the league season resuming and with 3 sides in action on Saturday, Biggar RFC were delighted to record 3 important wins: 2 against local rivals Hamilton at 1st XV and Colts XV level and the 3rd an excellent 2nd XV away win at Dundee High! Great start….

Sunday provided another great set of results with all sides performing particularly well.

In fact from 9 starts Biggar recorded 8 wins.

Biggar 24 Hamilton 17

Biggar kicked off their League season with a testing encounter against Lanarkshire rivals Hamilton, a side which romped through Nat 2 two seasons ago but who were relegated last season.

The Hartree Mill grounds were looking their best in the late summer sun and with the pre-season displays still fresh in the memory, Biggar opened up strongly. They met a resolute Hamilton defence, however a penalty award saw stand off Carne Green kick for a 3-0 lead.

Biggar’s pack featured a real mix of youth and experience and demonstrated that they would make things really difficult for their visitors both in the tight exchanges and in the loose. Props Andrew Nimmo and Dan O’Connell were hitting up well, supported by the back row of Ewan Sanderson, Andrew Orr and Douglas Notman. Unfortunately hooker Ewan Stewart was forced off early on, this necessitating a switch for Orr to the front row and giving Jamie Orr his first outing this season.

The pack paved the way for the backs to attack off go-forward ball which they enjoyed.

Hamilton should have equalised from a penalty kicked by full back Alan Wilson but he did convert a try scored by Inglis, the winger able to round off a passage of play which saw a couple of Biggar errors allow the Hamilton side to gain ground. The conversion took Hamilton into a 7-3 lead, this just past the half hour mark.

A fairly frantic period of play ensued within the Hamilton 22 and this should have seen Biggar score bar for an infringement of a ‘new’ rule in that the hooker must hook the ball. With their scrum under the cosh this free kick gave Hamilton some relief, or at least it should have but in an attempt to run ball out of defence play moved across the width of the pitch before Notman managed to disrupt ball at the ruck base sufficiently to allow winger Ross Bradford a chance to poach a try.

A well struck conversion from Green put Biggar ahead by 10-7.

Biggar’s defence was efficient, their use of the choke tackle meaning that Hamilton were held up and conceded possession a feature of the afternoon. Hamilton were not to be put off however and a neat passage of play which saw ball shifted wide and then back inside allowed Wilson a tilt at the line. He was unable to convert, the score now 12-10 to Hamilton.

Biggar then hit back with two quick fire scores. Orr and Bradford were making good ground when they got the ball and this and Green’s intelligent kicking kept Hamilton pinned in their half. An attacking play with ball passed to Gregor Stewart saw the young centre shape to pass left before switching the ball back inside to Robbie Lavery who was running a good line. His off-load was taken by Orr who in turn popped the ball to Davy Reive, the scrum half needing a telescopic arm to reach out for a fine score which Green converted for 17-12.

Directly from the restart a kick ahead by Green saw Hamilton try once more to run the ball out of defence. An inside pass was well read by Stewart who started off for the line. The cover defence was good but the youngster made an ‘out the back’ backhand pass to Reive who linked with Orr, the flanker crashing over despite the attentions of two Hamilton tacklers for another try – his 6th of the season to date.

Green’s conversion took Biggar into a half time lead of 24-12.

That Biggar failed to increase their total after the break is a frustration. Chances they had although neither side could really break their opponents defence down sufficiently to get in behind and score. Hamilton did manage a score, this from Wilson who was able to profit from a neat break and pass by stand off Stuart Whitelaw, which Wilson again converted.

Biggar made some decent breaks with replacement prop Donald Voas in the van on a couple of occasions and with a neat kick ahead almost spawning a try bar fro some last ditch Hamilton scrambling defence.

In year gone by however, Biggar would have struggled to see the game out and may well have cracked under the pressure. With Green orchestrating things behind the scrum however, and with the pack carrying ball tirelessly and working together in defence, Hamilton were thwarted and their efforts were generally cross pitch.

There were some really big efforts made by the whole squad, second row work horses of Jamie Orr and Andrew Peacock and Alan Warnock being noteworthy. Prop O’Connell received the man-of-the-match nod however, this after another workmanlike performance in all areas.

Great work too from Aird Jardine who was fielded at fullback, winger Alistair Sinclair who had a quieter day than of late and the bench of Stuart Hull and Ryan Moffat.

The win is a positive step but one which will require to be repeated this Saturday when the team travel to take on the other side relegated last season, Howe of Fife.

The 2nds travelled to Dundee on Saturday. There were some 38 senior players training on Thursday evening but the selection for this 2nd team was still a struggle as contractors and unavailability meant the side was still in doubt until Saturday.

That the boys returned with a win is all the better then and a massive pat on the back to all involved, no more so than to ‘retired’ Neil Wolfendene who played a stormer and managed to score a try to boot! Big pluesses agai however in the play of those fresh out of Colts. No fewer than 6 played and all were extremely positve in their approach showing maturity beyond their years - particularly in defence. There were some nice efforts in attack as well however with all trying to keep the ball available.

Commiserations to StevenCampbell and Craig McDonald who both picked up injuries. It is to be hoped they are not out of the game for long.

There was a classic twist to this match. The 2nds in similar fashion to the 1sts had managed to stretch ahead to 28-15. Dundee were not out of things however and they came back into the game with two tries, the last of which, had it been converted would have given them a one point win. Happily, from a Biggar point of view at least, the kick went wide and Biggar clung on to their win.

Alder’s try which saw the centre involved twice is already – and after just one game and one week of the season – being talked up as the try of the season!

Of interest was the selection for Dundee 1sts of ex-Biggar Colt Rory McGinn at stand off with brother Danny on the bench. On the pitch adjacent to where the 2nds played the boys helped their new club to a good 33-0 win over Falkirk.

And to think there are another two Biggar youngsters headed to Dundee to study this session…..

Story date: 04/09/2017

Biggar Girls were Caithness bound

Caithness v Biggar in Mirage Conference

The Club’s Girls teams had made the long journey north to Caithness on Saturday for their Mirage Conference matches on Sunday.

Their trip was an enjoyable one with an overnight stop at Thurso on Saturday night. The rewards were in the results however with two fantastic wins by 55-24 for the 15’s and 66-7 for the 18’s. A cracking start in what was a tricky opener.

A quick depart and a knackered bunch returned home on Sunday night…..school and work on Monday!

Story date: 30/08/2017

Youth Section in Shogun Conference 1st Round

U16s 5-66 defeat

U15s 31-0 win

U14s - 51-0 this was a development match played as Biggar didn't have enough players. Boroughmuir loaned Biggar some players plus 4 from the U15s squad played with them

U13s 22-15 loss.

Boroughmuir U13 22 Biggar U13 15
Our 'baby' midis had to come of age quickly today as they faced Boroughmuir.
For the first ten minutes our lads were overwhelmed as they struggled to cope with the size and pace of a physically mature opposition. It is testament to our lad's guts and determination that they didn't let their heads drop, but found a way to contain the Boroughmuir team for the remainder of the half, and even crossed the whitewash themselves thanks to a great run from Fergus Watson.
They entered the second half three tries behind, but some fresh legs from the subs bench tipped the balance in the favour of the Biggar forwards, and Ben White managed to crash the ball over the line. Biggar were now snapping at 'muir's heels and 'muir's nervousness at this turnaround in fortunes was obvious by their dramatic use of their entire bench and aspects of play that our young lads haven't encountered before. Suffice it to say, their eyes have been opened.
Unfortunately, despite winning the second half, Biggar couldn't prevail overall. But this experience has bound them together even tighter, and they are relishing the thought of next week's encounter with Hamilton.

On this first conference weekend, Biggar earn 10 points, sharing the honours with their City opponents

Hamilton are opponents next weekend which is sure to be another tough contest.

Story date: 30/08/2017

Colts and Shogun Conference 1st Round

Biggar 25 Boroughmuir 8

'Plenty to savour as the new 'Shogun Conference' kicks off'. Even though we enter a new Conference with some new opposition, namely the best youth teams in Scotland, this match-up had a very familiar ring to it.

This was a relatively 'New Look' colts side, albeit with recognisable names from the previous season. Unquestionably, there will be a sigh of relief from all concerned that the first blow has been struck by the Black and Red with a favourable victory and excellent team spirit to boot. To dispatch a team like Boroughmuir, who have been operating in the top end league for many a season, is no mean feat and a pulsating contest left a healthy Biggar support with beaming smiles all round.

The match was competitive throughout and started very well with Ali Steele at outside centre kicking well from the hand and Finlay Stewart hoovering things up at Full-back.

Off-side was a big infringement feature for both teams but Biggar got the lions share of the advantage and progressed to the 'Muir' 22m on a number of occasions only to be halted by minor handling errors. The visitors were dangerous but Colts resident pickpocket Luhann Kotze performed daylight robbery on a couple of occasions to release a bit of Boroughmuir pressure. Support was plentiful but yielded no score.

This industrious and proactive approach was a real feature of Biggar's play and would continue but, it has to be said, against the run of play it was Boroughmuir that drew first blood with a penalty in the 30th minute.

Hosts and visitors alike got their blood up at the tail end of the first half and referee tripped over a couple of handbags to have a word with both captains to throw the fashion accessories to the sidelines and get on with it.

Rare defensive frailty by Biggar led to Boroughmuir's tall second row scoring right on half time to bring the score to 8-0 to the Edinburgh outfit.

Second half restart and great intensity shown from both sides. With Jordan Gray at No.8 it was a great opportunity for him to showcase his dynamic ability and it allowed him some freedom to break the line and this ultimately led to Biggar's first try.

Real momentum up the right through Gray's break and continuity saw Ali Steele over the line following sustained pressure. Steele narrowly missed his conversion but he would make amends three minutes later when Boroughmuir were penalised for not releasing in the tackle. His penalty was neatly slotted between the posts from the right hand touchline to bring the score level at 8-8.

Biggar were direct and getting into a flow and on 52 min. Robbie Orr collected the ball from the back of the ruck 10 metres out from the Boroughmuir line, showed their defence the blind but switched back inside to Kotze who split the defence for Biggar's second. Steele converted.

An entertaining brand of rugby continued and saw some nice interplay between forwards and backs and with Biggar seeing a bit more of the ball they capitalised with a massive carry by Jordan Gray who crashed through for a well deserved score. Steele had his eye in and converted well.

Ten minutes to go saw some changes in the pack replacing Archibald and Baillie who put in a competent shift. Just after the hour mark Sam Wallis showed real endeavour. The winger collected in his own half, opened the tanks, broke the first tackle, halted on the second at the opposition 22. It was an excellent stop by the 'Muir' defender but he just held on a bit too long giving Biggar the penalty. Ali Steele obliged with another 3 points.

Boroughmuir weren't done though and advanced putting Biggar defence to the test. Biggar absorbed the late pressure to bring the game to a close after a Muir knock-on. Verdict: A positive start to the season. A real team effort. Plenty to take back to the training ground. Maintain the focus and drive for Hamilton next Saturday.

Biggar round up pre-season with win over Hawks

Biggar 68 Glasgow Hawks 28

Biggar’s National Cup opponents, Div 3 side Perthshire, pulled out of the fixture on Wednesday evening as they were without prop forwards. This was a blow as Biggar needed a fixture prior to league action next week against Hamilton. Over to fixture secretary John Jackson who conjured up Glasgow Hawks 2nd XV although the Glasgow side were aided by a couple of Hamilton players to complete their squad. Aside from the fact that Gary Mercer and David Wilson both previously coached at Hawks there is another link with ex-Biggar Colt Peter Steele returning to Hartree Mill in Hawks colours, the youngster having switched clubs last season. Many thanks to the Hawks for filling the void in at short notice and for travelling, Hartree Mill never a favourite of city sides!

On a perfect afternoon for rugby the game got off to a cracking pace with Biggar opening the scoring after 15 minutes when an offensive hit in the centre by Gregor Stewart dislodged the ball which was gobbled up by flying winger Alistair Sinclair who set off to the line some 60 metres away. Outstripping the defence he scored just to the left of the posts, Euan Bogle converting for 7-0.

Just 8 minutes later and that man Sinclair ran in his second, this after he was picked out by stand off Carne Green, this a feature of the Kiwi’s play all afternoon. Bogle converted again for 14-0.

Feinting a wide pass, Green popped a short ball some 5 minutes later to rampaging flanker Andrew Orr. He made ground before feeding supporting centre Gregor Stewart who then fed hooker Ewan Stewart who crossed for an excellent score though just too wide for the conversion.

Sinclair then nabbed his hat-trick (his second in 3 weeks), this another long run in after Ewan Stewart provided a neat inside ball on the half way. Bogle’s conversion took Biggar to 26 points with Hawks gaining a score of their own as their number 8 burrowed over from close range. The conversion made the half time score 26-7 to Biggar.

The try run continued after the break when Orr made a very typical breenge up the middle and over, Bogle again on target for 33-7.

Biggar made a hash of the restart kick after this score and Hawks pounced one more as their centre crashed over under the posts.

Biggar’s newest recruit Arnoldas Patrascio from Lithuania (via Denmark) made the ultimate dream start. Playing at lock but standing at the tail of the lineout he gathered a Hawks overthrow to turn and gambol over for a try with what was his very first touch of a ball in a Biggar jersey! Much amusement for the healthy crowd. Needless to say Bogle converted.

In similar fashion to Hawks’ second score, Biggar’s defence was once again found wanting and with Patrascio clearly shielding a weak shoulder he departed to be replaced by live wire Callum Dunlop who had started and who showed great composure throughout the match.

Another neat pop pas from Green to Orr was the prelude to Biggar’s next try, this going to skipper for the day Euan Sanderson, the flanker clearly in good spirits after his holiday and making a great contribution all day. With Bogle off for a rest Aird Jardine converted.

Biggar conceded a penalty in their own 22 as Hawks again came back at Biggar, the visitors stand off stepping neatly to beat the Biggar cover for their 4th score which, when converted, gave them their 28 point tally.

Biggar were not to be outdone however and relished the opportunity to have the last word(s)!

A neat dink from Green behind the Hawks midfield saw Jardine nip in and make the best job of splitting the remaining cover for a try (suspiciously offside perhaps?) which Green converted as everyone wanted to get in on the act.

The final score went to winger Ross Bradford who had been running lines all afternoon without ever touching the ball which never seemed to go his way. A darting, mazy run by Jardine saw the wee man beat several of the Hawks defence -some seemingly twice – before off-loading, the ball eventually nabbed by Bradford for the final and 10th Biggar try. Green converted for the 68 point tally.

Three games gone and Biggar’s pre-season record makes excellent and very encouraging reading:

Played 3 Won 3 Points for 167 Points against 50.

That of course counts for little as the very real and important test is this Saturday when the side entertains Hamilton. This is a Lanarkshire local derby which is always keenly awaited and equally keenly contested. The Hamilton club were relegated last season after cleaning up National 2 the season before and they will have a point to prove. Their pre-season concluded on Saturday with a resounding 100+ point Cup win over their hosts Aberdeenshire who, aside from others have lost two of their number to Biggar – stand off Green and centre Michael McKeand who returns to his roots after several years up north (it’ll be great to see him back in the black jersey!).

It was also very encouraging to see Biggar’s bench again being used to the maximum with appearances for props Dan O’Connell and Donald Voas who have both struggled with injury and too for Iain Renwick who is another who is returning to his first club, this after several seasons with Ayr.

Selection is now a real test for coaches Mercer and Wilson who have several players contesting for places in both backs and forwards – these a real mixture of experience and youth. There will be disappointment for some but all should be encouraged by the knowledge that they are playing for the black jersey and Biggar RFC. This is as true for those who play in the 2nd XV as it is for those in the 1st XV. The 2nds have a daunting task with their first outing being a trip to Dundee High on Saturday. Ironically they could face two ex-Biggar players in the brothers McGinn (Danny and Rory) who both played for their new club on Saturday against Stirling County.

Story date: 30/08/2017

Biggar are Border Reivers with win in Penrith

Penrith 17 Biggar 21

This was the third match between these two sides and Biggar now lead the series 2-1. Saturday’s trip south was, as had been expected, a step up after last week’s match against Ponteland, but one which the Biggar squad made well.

Holidays, injury and work continue to prevent some players from making an appearance but those who did travel playe their part, none more so than those who have graduated from Colts rugby, Guy Kelly, Andrew Nimmo, Callum Dunlop and Euan Bogle all contributing massively to the Biggar performance.

Played over 3 periods, each of 30 minutes, this was another shock to the system, mainly because Biggar had only one forward replacement and he (Kelly) came into action on the 25 minute mark after Ewan Stewart picked up a leg knock. It was a long day for the pack!

Biggar almost drew first blood when a try looked to have been scored by Andrew Orr but the referee adjudged the flanker/hooker to have lost control of the ball over the line.

Penrith thet had a tilt at the Biggar line after a penalty and resultant lineout. Penrith scrum half, George Graham – formerly of Gala – made a dartign run to score the first try, this tactic paying off well throughout the match as he exploited gaps in the Biggar close defence.

Biggar should have scored a try almost immediately as Carne Green’s pass put Ryan Moffat into space. The centre in turn fed Robbie Lvery but the pass didn’t quite stick.

Kelly replaced Stewart, this neccessitiating a switch in the forwards but one which ahd little effect on the Biggar scrummage.

Right at the end of the third Biggar’s endeavours were rewarded as Andrew Peacock drove over from close range for a try converted by Green. 7-5 to Biggar.

After 10 minutes of this period Biggar introduced all their bench with Bogle, Gregor Stewart, James Barr, Craig McDonald and Aird Jardine replacing Alistair Sinclair, Lavery, Green, Moffat and Davy Reive respectively.

Some excellent continuity should have led to a second try but again the chance was lost. Instead Penrith scored another after Graham again sniped at the scrum base. The conversion put Penrith ahead at 12-7, this the only score of this period.

There were changes again before the third period got underway. Biggar took the lead shortly after the restart, Sinclair making excellent headway from Bogle’s wide pass. The winger celebrated his 21st in fine style by continuing on his run after he had passed, catching the return pass to sprint across in the corner. A great score which Bogle converted for 14-12.

Penrith looked bigger physically then their guests but they were somewhat ring-rusty playing in what was their first fixture of this season. Biggar held out due to some sterling work in defence by the pack but supported out wide. The hosts did score again however, this off a driven lineout which is so difficult to stop when it is done properly. Witht the conversion missed Penrith had a 17-14 lead with some 12 minutes remaining.

A performance was what was wanted with a win a secondary aim but when Nimmo ran another excellent line close to the ruck and crashed over for what would be the winning try, there was much celelbration. This was in most spectators opinion the ‘correct’ result, Biggar having had the best part of the play and having created the most chances. Bogle added the conversion to gibe Biggar their 21-17 winning margin.

The Cup game this Saturday will be another step along the way with Perthshire, although finishing last season towards the bottom of National 3, always likely to provide a tough challenge. KO is 3pm and it would be great to get a big support to cheer the boys along.

Story date: 24/08/2017

Biggar v Ponteland

Biggar 78 Ponteland 5

Biggar’s senior squad had a decent run out on Saturday against Ponteland from Newcastle. This was the first meeting between the sides but it is unlikely to be the last as the visitors proved to be a good bunch of lads, combining the visit to Hartree Mill with their annual trip to the Hawick Beer Festival.

In an entertaining match, Biggar played some decent rugby albeit that the visitors were a tad behind in terms of fitness, big though they undoubtedly were.

In the early stages Ponteland showed their ability to attack via the driven maul and Biggar did well to repel these initial sorties, even managing a scintillating break out which almost ended with a score.

Having engineered the breakout however Biggar were able to hold their position with Andrew Orr crossing for a score after a Euan Sanderson breenge. Ewan Bogle added the conversion and Biggar were on their way.

In the following 10 minutes Biggar added 2 further scores with Ponteland contributing one of their own – an excellent score it was too - to take the score at the end of the 20 minute quarter to 26-5, Bogle kicking well to convert all 4 scores.

The second quarter saw Biggar continue to add pressure to their visitors with 2 further scores. Four more scores came in the 3rd quarter and another 2 in the last quarter as Biggar piled on the points.

While the match was a little less of a contest than would have perhaps been preferred, coaches Wilson and Fleming (Mercer was not available for this match) were able to give all those players present a good run out. This included all 5 of those Colts who were available from last years squad and who have now moved up albeit that due to Uni/College commitments only 3 of these will be playing at Hartree Mill this season.

All involved showed up well, this including the recent recruits to the Biggar squad, with stand off Carne Green, centre Ryan Moffat and winger Ross Bradford all performing well and all getting a try.

The squad have been encouraged to play an open game and this they did with ball being shipped wide and at pace and with the pack showing up well in the loose. Up front, while props Dan O’Connell and Donald Voas were unavailable, their replacements Callum Braid (great to see this young man back in Biggar colours) and Guy Kelly stuck well to their task in both tight and open play, Kelly getting game time before his appearance off the bench in Sunday’s district match for Glasgow U20.

For the record points came from 14 tries: hat-trick heroes Alistair Sinclair, Andrew Orr with 2 each for Ross Bradford and Euan Sanderson and others for Ryan Moffat and Callum Braid. Bogle kicked 9 conversions.

Congratulations to Colt Cameron Forrest who officiated at senior level for the first time when he took charge of the last quarter! Referring is a massively important aspect of the game and Cameron’s involvement – and that of any others who may feel this is of interest - is to be encouraged.

Vice-President John Bogle made a presentation to the Ponteland club of a Biggar wall plaque and in return he was delighted to receive a Ponteland club tie and a copy of their 50th anniversary history (this is of course a landmark that is now just 8 years away for Biggar!).

This Saturday the squad make a return trip to Penrith for what is now seen as a regular pre-season contest. The lads from the north east are at a higher standard than Ponteland and this will be another step up prior to the home Cup match on Saturday 26th against Perthshire. The Cup precedes the start of National league 2 rugby, Biggar getting their campaign underway with a home match against Hamilton.

Story date: 20/08/2017

A Tale of two halves…

West of Scotland 26 Biggar 32

Biggar claimed only their second away win this season after they scraped over the line against West on Saturday.

That Biggar claimed a 4 try bonus was another boost for the side who have struggled recently, save for last week against bottom of the table Hill Jills.

With West claiming a win over near neighbours GHK the previous Saturday, Biggar travelled in the knowledge that they would face a city side on form. That they dominated the first half was extremely pleasing then, their 29 point tally coming in very nearly the same number of minutes. Aird Jardine kicked 2 conversions from the 5 first half tries, the opening try scored by himself and others by Alisdair Sinclair, Donald Voas, Ewan Sanderson and Gregor Stewart.

Quite what went wrong after the break needs some analysis but seemingly, without any obvious reason, Biggar’s effort faltered just as West’s increased, the home side able to claw their way back into the contest to add 3 tries to their solitary first half score to claim a 4 try bonus of their own ato take the score to 29-26 with some 10 minutes remaining.

This then became a 1 score match and it was left to Jardine to stretch Biggar’s lead to 6 points with a penalty. West were still very much in the game however and had they opted to kick for touch with their last penalty and use their most successful tactic, the lineout drive to exert pressure on the Biggar line then they may have sneaked the win. Instead however the tap penalty option was preferred and as they went through the phases it was Jamie Orr who rounded off a cracking game with a priceless turnover to end the contest.

Exciting or nerve racking? Both and in equal measure!

Biggar made a couple of changes to the side which opened against Hill Jills. There was a change at centre where Gregor Stewart returned after injury to replace Craig McDonald and at scrum half where Davy Reive replaced David McArthur.. In the pack Andrew Dunlop moved up to 2nd row to replace the injured Zander Lyon while Duncan Withers took his place in the back row albeit for just the first half due to a prior engagement.

Colt Andrew Nimmo made his first step into senior action as he came off the bench, the youngster showing up well and making some decent hits. He is also to be congratulated on making the next cut for the Scotland U18 squad who take on England at Peffermill on Sunday.

In a whirlwind start, this much to do with the fact that the game was played on West’s 3G pitch, Biggar ran West ragged and allowed them barely a touch of the ball and this only after Jardine opened the scoring with a neat chip and chase.

David Paterson, who had a very positive and very industrious day in both attack and defence, made the break for the next score although it was opposite winger Sinclair who rounded off the move with try in the corner. Paterson showed some real flair with this run which saw him round and hand off no fewer than 4 defenders before feeding Sinclair. Having missed the first conversion from a relatively good angle Jardine saw his next effort from virtually the touchline rebound off the upright. 10-0.

A series of good carries ended as Withers was left isolated and the resultant penalty gave west the chance to use their driving maul to good effect to take play into Biggar’s 22. Their pick and go’s looked to have done enough for a score but the referee blew for a knock on instead although the scrum saw Biggar penalised and west regain the initiative. A couple of phases later and their centre crashed over for a score which took the score to 10-7.

Undeterred Biggar came right back into things with a try Donald Voas, the prop tracking a dynamic charge from Ross Jackson. When tackled Jackson presented well and gave Voas the chance to pick and go for the last 8 metres.

Barely three minutes elapsed before Ewan Sanderson crashed over after another assault on the West line. Jardine’s conversion put Biggar ahead at 22-7 and also gave Biggar the 4 try bonus.

Stewart’s try just short of the half hour was set up by Robbie Lavery whose run took him through the first West line of defence. His pop pass was gratefully accepted by his fellow centre who was able to get the ball down despite the attentions of the West cover. Jardine added the points for the 29-7 half time score.

Biggar almost added a 6th try as Jackson intercepted off West in the Biggar 22. The youngster set off for the line but a cracking cover tackle from the West fullback did just enough to prevent the off-load tp the supporting Paterson and the attack came to nought.

Biggar don’t have a great track record for regularly running up large scores but such was their dominance of the first half proceedings - save perhaps for the driven line which West used to good effect – that had they managed another score shortly after half time, things might have been very different.

That was not to be however and a combination of errors and an increase in confidence of the home side conspired to give West the initiative. Their scrum half nipped over from an early attack and the conversion took the score to 29-14.

West will rue the missed chances they had in the game and which would have given them the win had they been converted. Twice they lost control of ball over the line although this was also due in no small part to some excellent cover defence from Biggar’s back 3 of Sinclair, Paterson and Steele who tracked back well on both occasions to prevent the score.

On the first of these the score was merely delayed as a mix up off the scrum base, an area which Biggar generally controlled well, led to possession being lost by Stewart who could only watch as the West centre pounced to score the try. 29-21!

A penalty and kick to the corner preceded the next West try, which happily from a Biggar point of view at least, was not converted. But at 29-16 the match was set alight for a nerve-jangling 10 minutes.

As the game progressed it became evident that the errors from both sides were going to be influential. While Biggar showed up really well in defence – Orr, Sanderson, Stewart just three who tackled tirelessly throughout – it was West’s errors which prevented them from claiming the lead.

Biggar’s attacks were rare occasions and these too ended with errors which allowed West further attacking opportunities. One such opportunity came as West lost ball in attack. Showing some great skills Biggar passed the ball wide to Lavery who made ground before passing to Paterson who took off on another run. There is a time to pass and a time to run and on this occasion Paterson held on for a fraction too long, the off-load to Orr just not suite going to hand.

Just minutes later however and Biggar were awarded a rare penalty which Jardine slotted for 32-26.

As the clock ticked on Biggar tackled manfully and then came the last turnover from Jamie Orr which brought the final whistle.

Players breathed heavily from their efforts while the Biggar spectators breathed heavily in relief! Ex-Biggar man Angus Thomson again showed up well form his adpoted club, leading form the front and tackling well throughout.

Coaches Mercer and Wilson were left scratching at their heads in an effort to understand quite what changed after half time. Nevertheless, this was an important win and one which should set the squad up nicely for their next match which sees them back in Glasgow at Whitecraigs.

Able to field a strong XV Biggar recorded another excellent win by 41-3.

There was a 4 try bonus point with Alan Warnock notching a fantastic 4 try haul himself while Douglas Notman, Craig Frame and Alan Todd also scored, the last two both scoring from what was their first touches of the ball!

Gary Morrison (2) and Jack Warnock (2) shared the kicking duties.

With Kelso winning a tight match by 19-17 at Edin Accies, but without the all important bonus point, Biggar now return to the top of the East reserve league table by just 1 point.

Well done boys!

Story date: 01/02/2017

U15 Bully past Bulls

Biggar U15’s bully past Bulls

The Lanarkshire derby of Hamilton and Biggar is one that is always hotly contested; no matter the age group, no matter the competition. Like all others, this weekend’s 15s game versus the Bulls did not fail to disappoint. Rueing a previously missed opportunity to beat their counterpart’s earlier in the season, the young lads refused to be pipped at the post twice and produced an enormous effort to take the win and halt the Hamilton’s league winning celebrations.

The game started frantically and with some serious physicality occurring all over the pitch. Early hits came from Will and James gave Hamilton an indication of what they were in for, but unfortunately it was the opposition who got the first points after a minor defensive error allowing their centre to score. Quickly after, the boys in green and blue got another under similar circumstances. Not the greatest start but certainly not unreachable. 0-14.

Having gotten over their early lapse, the young rams finally got into the swing of things, using their strong pack to gain yards and their backs to outstrip the Hamilton wings. The first try came from an increasingly characteristic maul on the Bulls twenty two. Having gained about ten yards it was brought down but momentum was not lost as Will and Jack carried strongly. Quick recycling and fast reactions from Callum McCallum resulted in big Jack bullying his way over the try line for Biggar’s first try. Back in the game. Conversion made. 7-14

Half time: Biggar – 7 Hamilton – 14

The second half begun like the end of the first, with Biggar on top. Straight from the kick off the ball found its way into the hands of the lightning quick Callum Smith. As ever, he backed his abilities and set off, running around the slow Hamilton pack and fending off the wing to run over the try line for an early Biggar try. Conversion excellently made again. 14-14

Biggar were now truly in control and it was beginning to take its toll on the young Bulls. More and more carries from the likes of Hayden and Andrew were reaping good yards and another try was inevitable. It came in the form of some very intelligent play from the Biggar boys. Our prop Jack picked the ball off the back of a ruck on halfway and fighting all his front row instincts, beautifully drew the man and popped the ball to Aaron in space who was eventually hauled down 15 out. A penalty was won however, and the ball was kicked to touch. Promptly the ball was won and tucked under the jumper in a maul which proved unstoppable, collapsing over the line the ball was raised by our hooker, try by Cameron and the lead to Biggar. Callum McCallum miraculously nailed the kick from the touch line to put us 21-14 ahead with ten to go. Squeaky bum time Indeed.

Hamilton came right back at us however and after some long pressure under our line they scored but missed the conversion. 21-19 with five to go, even squeakier.

More and more pressure ensued, but Biggar would not allow themselves to be robbed and defended valiantly, holding the ball up over the line. A few scrums later the impossible happened and Hamilton were awarded a questionable penalty in the last play, posts were opted for and the game was in the balance. An anxious minute followed with the pitch being silent. The Hamilton lad strode up and struck it well; the ball sailed and spun and swerved but would not come, drifting past the right upright. The whistle was blown and celebrations spread. The boys had done it.

Full time: Biggar-21 Hamilton-19

Credit to the Hamilton boys who gave us our most competitive game of the season. However, the ever present improvement of this young bunch of rugby players continues to march on. Skill and speed, pace and power, brains and brawn, nothing seems to be lacking at the moment. Maturity is beginning to flow through this team and a few leaders are really stepping up and taking responsibility. Every boy played his part and gave his all to put us in a position to win it at the end and its just that sweeter against a big rival of the club. Whilst it looks like Hamilton may still win the league with a win against Dumfries next week, we know we can compete with and beat them, no matter the league standings. Whitecraigs await us next week, another tough game, but we’ll be ready for it.

Story date: 07/12/2016

THE BIGGAR PICTURE - October November Edition

Welcome back. Lucky for you, the October and November edition are being mashed together… pumpkin spicing it up a little bit.

Girls

October started with the U15 and U18 girls making an 8 hour journey up to Caithness to play one of their conference games. Both teams won and it was great team building for all the gals… even got to stay in some interesting wee hostel rooms! After this, there were two conference games left – first up Hillhead Jordanhill. Yet again, it was another game and another win at both age groups. The final game of the conference was against Stirling County – who were also unbeaten. U15’s pulled through and won U15 conference title. Unfortunately, U18’s were pipped at the post and lost 19-17. Man of the match for U15’s was Abi Bandtock – congrats and well deserved! U18’s man of the match was Abbie Baillie – but it certainly wasn’t for her passing.

Midis/Colts

Biggar are currently sitting at 3rd place in the whole club conference table and the colts are at the top of the U18 table with 8 wins and 1 draw. Their last game was against GHA, which ended up becoming a development game due to GHA injuries.

S1 and U15 grabbed a win at the weekend with S2 and U16 unfortunately missing out. This weekend they play Falkirk – support would be appreciated.

Minis

A lot of delivery has been happening in primary schools across Biggar, Lanark and Carluke. The primary schools have had 4 or 5 week blocks teaching the basic skills and playing fun games... However they are all desperate for contact! Perfect opportunity to bring them along to the Come and Try Day which is happening on Sunday 4th December down at Biggar Rugby Club! While you're here you can also check out the new pitches!

Refereeing

The club are always looking for more volunteers to start refereeing. Level 1 refereeing courses are regularly available and the club can also help with some of the cost. If Cameron Forrest can do it then anyone can.

Pitch Opening

It's been a long wait but the pitch opening is due to take place this Friday night. This is where the 3 new pitches will be officially opened and played on for the first time – rather exciting! Come along as there will also be stalls you can buy some stocking fillers from as well as some great rugby to be watched!

Hope you enjoyed this edition of the Biggar Picture. Happy Holidays!

Story date: 16/11/2016

THE BIGGAR PICTURE - September Edition

… pation. Longer than expected, I know.

A September issue starting off the rugby year isn’t so bad..?

The mini section dove straight into the deep end with their very own tournament being held at the start of the season. All went well, and it was a good day to be had for all. A big thanks goes out to Laura Watson for having the patience to organise the whole event and making it run nice and smoothly. ONE CLUB ONE FAMILY.

With the season settling in, the midi’s and colt’s drop – kicked off their green conference battle, which includes playing sides such as Dunfermline, GHA, Dumfries, Falkirk, Hamilton and Whitecraigs. It’s been a hard start for U16’s due to playing numbers… so if you’re a 15 year old boy reading this for some reason or other, you clearly have nothing else to do. Get yourself down to Hartree Mill on Wednesday nights at 7pm and live life to the max – come and join the fam. The colts have had a pretty decent start, with wins all round apart from a draw with Hamilton… awkies. One way to improve would be to actually watch your games when Sarah doesn’t lose the footage and I actually upload them lol soz.

On a plus note, 8 of the colts are part of the U18 Glasgow Academy. This includes training sessions every week and games against the other regions. The boys included are Guy Kelly, Rory McGinn, Luhann Kotze, Matthew and Lewis Stewart, Andrew Jardine and Andrew Nimmo (who defs bribed his way in with a few cows). There are also 3 boys in the Glasgow U18’s development squad – Stuart Forrest, Rowan Stewart and Jordan Gray. This is a pathway to Scotland and definitely shows that Biggar Rugby club are doing something right.

Going back to conferences, U15 and U18 Girls played their first President’s Conference game against Murrayfield Wanderers. The Presidents conference is making its debut this year with 6 teams from across Scotland taking part. Both teams won with U15’s winning very convincingly and U18’s winning but realising they should’ve done pre season. It was injuries galore with concussion going round like the plague, but luckily Abbie Baillie will be back playing soon after suffering with concussion since March. However we are playing rather well and you’re putting Sarah out of a position so we don’t need you anymore. Let the games go on the way they started.

So there you go, another monthly update for you. Hope you enjoyed.

Rhiannon (and Sarah)

Story date: 10/10/2016

Biggar Colts suffer crucial defeat

Musselburgh Colts 42pts v Biggar Colts 36pts

Edinburgh and District Under 18 League

Biggar Colts suffered their 1st defeat of the season but it was a crucial defeat as it impacts on them being able to go through to the National Cup , losing out to Musselburgh who will likely take that spot and the Edinburgh League title.
These two teams are arguably the best in the league and with so many cancelled games there will be not much chance to regain the top spot.
Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure as both teams put in a almighty display with the game in the balance up to the final whistle.

It was evident early on in the game that although Biggar were going to dominate up front , the Musselburgh backs were if given ball going to have the ability to cause significant damage and this they did.
It took 15 minutes before the 1st score of the game. Musselburgh spilled ball which was quickly seized on by Peter Steele who then offloaded to Mark Harrison to go in the corner for an unconverted try.
Biggar then had to go into defence which they have not been used to over the last few weeks and it was the big Musselburgh centre who broke through the defence to then go over inbetween the posts. This centre along with others was going to cause problems all afternoon.
But Biggar knew to keep it amongst the forward and use the strong runners in Mark Ewart, Ross Jackson and Andrew Orr. This they did to good effect and were rewarded with a try to Mark Ewart who continues to improve and impress stormed over for a converted try put over by Gregor Stewart.
Shortly following this Musselburgh took their turn and their centre again broke through by palming his opposite number off and he duly stormed over from half way.
Again Mark Ewart responded in his usual way with a converted try by Gregor Stewart.
This game was now at a high intensity and both teams were taking and putting in some big hits to neutralise each other.
Musselburgh were awarded a penalty which was kicked to go into the lead. But in this see-saw game it was Biggar's turn and it was seized by Scott Thomson who was at then end of a period of play where the Biggar backs showed good hands to put Scott in the corner.
That try gave the Biggar backs some confidence and just outside their own 22 , James Barr put in a well placed kick from the left over to the right and with a bounce , Mark Harrison took the ball cleanly and sprinted 50 yards to score.
Biggar now had the upper hand and went in at half time in the lead.
Half time Biggar in the lead with 36 points to Musselburgh 17 points

There could be no doubt that Musselburgh knew they could get back into the game if their well drilled backs could get ball and at the same time their forwards could try to lift their game.
This they did and straight from kick off they came back in with another strong run by their backs putting the winger in. Musselburgh forwards were now more organised and were working in pairs to stop the Biggar big forwards who were trying to punch holes.
Biggar backs were finding it difficult against a back line who had pace and skill with excellent angled runs that was causing problems with the Biggar defence which in all the positions was not getting up on their opposite man quickly enough to stop them.
Also the forwards were struggling in areas such as lineouts.
A further try was taken by the Musselburgh winger and Biggar were now in defensive problems as shown when the again went over. Nobody can be signalled out as this team play as a team and take any problems as a team.
Musselburgh were now just a point behind and with two minutes to go , put over a penalty to take the lead.
Biggar pressurised to get back in but were getting held well and in fact Musselburgh seized an opportunity for their winger to go over and win the game.
It was a disappointment as so much work went in but credit has to also go to Musselburgh who had an excellent back line with pace and skill.
“Yes it was a defeat but its just another word for experience”
Nobody can doubt that as the last few years we have a special bunch of boys who would be a credit to any club

Full time – Musselburgh 42 points to Biggar 36 points

Story date: 06/10/2014

Biggar Ladies

Biggar RFC have a thriving Ladies section with a development Ladies team who train on a Monday evening, as well as teams at U18 and U15 age groups who train on a Wednesday night.

All of our squads are welcoming to new players, regardless of their experience, and are looking to expand their player numbers so come along and give it a go!

If you are interested in training with and playing for any of these teams, please contact Tammy Mitchell via the website contact page.

Story date: 05/02/2014

Senior Player Facebook Group

Colts 15 Murrayfield Wanderers 10

Biggar Colts 15 Murrayfield Wanderers 10pts

Edinburgh Under 18 League

Biggar took to the field again only having 18 in the squad but managed to come away with a hard fought victory over Wanderers , winning 15points to 10 points.
Recent injuries had forced Coach Barr to do some shifting about the team. As in recent weeks certain players have had to play out of position but every player responded to the task and credit must be to them.
On a great day for flowing rugby, Biggar took to the field hoping to put early pressure on Wanderers but it was in fact Wanderers who took the initiative and continually managed to set up many phases of hitting up through the middle and always offloading in the tackle which forced Biggar on to the back foot as tackles were not going in low. Biggar did respond with some strong hits going in and James Barr was showing his opposite centre that he was in a game with a couple of good hits.
When Biggar did get the ball out Aird Jardine as in previous weeks made some clean breaks but did not have the back up required which was costly.

Biggar got a free kick , and from a quick tap and go, the ball was fed to Craig Stewart who hit up and from this Ryan Anderson powered over for s fine try converted by Jack Warnock.
Biggar then went back to defence with Wanderers doing a series of terrific runs and offload up through the middle of the pitch. Ryan Anderson had to go off with a head knock and this did not help Biggar in defence.
Wanderers pressure eventually paid off and they powered over for a try which was not converted.
Shortly before half time a drop pass by Biggar saw the ball kicked ahead for as try to be scored which was not converted

Half time Biggar 7 to Wanderers 10.

From the start of the half it was again Wanderers who took the initiative and were constantly threatening the line but for 5 minutes, Biggar held them well and the turned over ball to release pressure and put the ball back down into the Wanderers half.
Reiss Cullen was dominating turning over ball, some great runs and constantly thwarted Wanderers scrum half in putting ball out the back line. Andrew Orr was taking a fair share of the ball and making good years ably backed up by Alistair Sinclair. From this spirits and confidence were lifting and a penalty was awarded to Biggar which Jack Warnock converted to tie the scores.
Biggar were now back in the game and late on Grant Hamilton picked up a loose ball land ran 60 metres to score which was not converted.
The final whistle could not have come at a better time as this was a hard fought victory which created further injury worries.
The game had not flowed as in previous weeks but confusion reigned during many parts of the game as rule interpretation was questionable which unsettled the team.

Next week at home Biggar face a Livingston side who have recently had some big wins and have a large squad.

Development Resources

Biggar RFC - Development Overview

Biggar RFC is a thriving club which caters for players from Primary 1 through to senior. We currently boast teams at P1/2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, S1, S2, U15, U16 and U18 as well as a girls U15’s team, 2 senior teams and a social / over 35’s team.

I am Andrew Barnett, Club and Community Development Officer for Biggar Rugby Football Club. Since the 2008/09 season the club has employed a full time development officer to help maintain the status of the Clydesdale region’s premier sports club.

The development programme can be loosely split into two key areas: club programme and community programme.

Club Programme:

The club aspect of development officer role essentially revolves around the following question:

In the time between a youngster joining the club to when they graduate through to senior rugby - how can we help them achieve their own absolute potential as rugby players, as teammates and as club members?

Biggar Rugby Club boasts 14 competitive teams from Primary 3 through to 1st XV as well as non-competitive weekly sessions for P1’s and 2’s. With teams at every age group from P3 through to U18, we currently have approximately 45 volunteer coaches across all youth age groups. I work very closely with these coaches, trying to ensure every child gets the best rugby experience possible through educating coaches in the latest coaching techniques and tactical and technical knowledge.

The safety of participants is always at the absolute forefront of our minds. Therefore, every coach is required to go through an annual ‘Are You Ready to Play Rugby?’ course. This is a yearly update which leads our volunteers through the latest safe coaching ideas and techniques.

Community Programme:

The community programme primarily revolves around the schools programme. I run rugby taster sessions in both Biggar and Lanark cluster primary schools as well as curricular and extra-curricular activities in Biggar High School and Lanark Grammar School. If you have a child who goes to a Biggar or Lanark cluster primary school it’s highly likely I will have delivered rugby sessions to them and their classmates.

Biggar RFC are also proud members of the Biggar Community Sports Hub, and work with other sporting teams in the area to give youngsters the maximum sporting opportunities possible.

For questions regarding rugby development in your area or any other enquiries regarding the club in general please don’t hesitate to get in touch via the contact details below.

Biggar Colts

Our Colts team is made up of our 16-18 age players and competes in the Edinburgh District U-18 League, competing at the highest level and providing stiff competition for any team in Scotland,. The team train on Tuesdays and Thursdays and is coached by Yogi, Muz and Gavin, who have been working hard with this ever changing group for a number of years and have coached many of our current 1st and 2nd XV players.

If you would like to know more about our colts team please conatact Colts Convener David (Muz) Murray on 07786158710

Story date: 23/02/2013

SUMMER CAMP 2012

Bookings are still being taken for the Biggar Rugby Club Summer Camp 2012!!!!

Camps are charged at £10 per child per day and participants should bring their lunches / wet weather gear and a change of clothes with them.

To book on email Calum on development.officer@biggarrfc.org.uk with participants name, age, which days they wish to come, emergency contact details and any heath issues we should know about or phone 07720677977.

Story date: 25/07/2012

Biggar seniors v Bracknell

Straight after the U-15 game a Senior Biggar XV, made up of players from the 1sts to the Colts took on touring side Bracknell. The tourists were less fresh than the U-15’s from Orrell had been and had also lost their first game, this to Leith Accies.
Biggar opened strongly and scored first. They never relinquished the lead and ended up 22-10 victors. A grand run about on a Sunday afternoon and for several of the Biggar lads some much-needed practice for the forthcoming Over-35’s tournaments at Perth (12th May) and St Andrews (19th May)! Any other interested parties should speak to GY asap to confirm their attendance.

Story date: 29/04/2012

Biggar Minis at Heriots

Mini News
This weekend Biggar Minis took 4 teams (P4 - P7) to the Heriot’s Tournament in Edinburgh. The day was glorious and the wet and cold of the winter season was forgotten and sun cream and plenty of liquids was the order of the day.
The P4s started with a game against Madrascals. Biggar supported well in the tackle and recycled the ball fantastically well however they found it hard to get round or through the opposition and ended up going down 8 - 2. The P4s second game was against the tournament hosts Heriot’s, and again Biggars continuity was impressive, this time the tackling was also up to scratch and the game was a joy to watch as several players had good runs and tackles. With tries coming from Murray (4), Fraser, Jonathan and Conner the game ended to soon at 8 - 8. In the final game Biggar came up against the giants from Musselburgh again and they found stopping the fast running bigger players very difficult eventually losing 8 - 2. The tournament allowed a lot of the squad to get more experience which will help them play better as a team later this year and next.
At P5 Biggar played a strong first game against Madrascals, who were a well-matched team. Biggar displayed good strong tackling and consistency throughout and broke for some really great tries. The boys seemed to have taken heed and managed to pop the ball free more often earning a well deserved 7 - 6 win.
In the second match Biggar were dominated by Heriot’s who were undeniably much faster, much more forward moving and much more together as a team. The Biggar boys moral went down quickly given their defeat against Heriot’s last week, and that combined with a back to back game in the heat, resulted in a 10 - loss.
The third game against Musselburgh also proved to be very difficult, once again the opposition were faster but the Biggar boys worked better as a team and were capable of running in a few tries. If the Biggar boys had not hung back so much they may have been able to win this one but in the end lost 9 -4. Over the day Jack, Hector, Euan, Cameron, Gregor and Harry all contributed tries.

The P6s first game was a very competitive match against Madrascals with the best team play seen from this Biggar P6 team this year. The game eventually finishing 3-2 to Madrascals. In the second game Biggar came up against a very focused home team losing 6 - 0. In the final game against Musselburgh a lot of the team work and support which has been practised in training came through with Douglas and Drew scoring tries and eventually winning 4 - 2.

Story date: 26/03/2012

Biggar Minis have a tough day at Edinburgh Accies

Mini news
Biggar RFC took 5 age group teams to their first Edinburgh Tournament of the year at Edinburgh Academicals ranging from P3s to P7s.
The P4s started with a wake up call from a strong home team Biggar despite having many good runs were always halted just before the try line the home team getting the ball wider quicker and running in 11 tries to Biggar's 2. In the second game Biggar tackled well and kept the game with Heriots close losing 6 - 4. In the last game Biggar led Currie most of the match running in trys from 3 different players but ended losing 7 - 5.
The Biggar P6s came up against 3 strong teams and had some good attacks but never got onto the front foot losing to North Berwick 11 - 0, Heriots 4 - 1 and to Currie by 8 - 0.
The Biggar P7s started against Heriots with some good running but losing 6 - 1, Biggar upped their game in the second match tackling and linking up well keeping the game close but losing 5 - 2 to Stewart Melville. In the final match against Watsonians Biggar were 7 - 0 down at half time but through strong tackling held the score to 8 - 0 at the end.
All the Biggar teams and players played in the true spirit of rugby and enjoyed their day in Edinburgh and the experience will help bring the teams together.

Story date: 18/03/2012

Coaching

Coaching/ RDO page

Story date: 29/09/2011

About Biggar RFC

Biggar Rugby Football Club was formed in 1975 by five local men who played their rugby for clubs in other towns in the central belt or the borders of Scotland. They were of the view that the town of Biggar could easily support a rugby club.

For five years the club played its rugby at the show field which is owned by the local farmers’ club, and it used The Elphinstone Hotel as its base. Today, the club owns 20 acres of land half a mile outside the town at Hartree Mill. There were initially two pitches there, and third was constructed in 2002 but wasn’t really usable due to drainage problems. In 2015 we embarked upon a 2 year programme to remodel our grounds and since Nov 2016 have 5 full size pitches and numerous of pitch training areas in use, not only by Biggar RFC but also the local football and athletics cubs. Of our 5 pitches 4 of them alit with training lights allowing use of the facility all year round.

Our clubhouse was opened in 1989, serving the club well with social, catering and changing facilities. However, as the number of members grew, particularly children, our changing and showering facilities became unsuitable and inadequate. In 2012 an extension to the clubhouse coupled with a refurbishment programme delivered major improvements to our facilities. The original changing rooms and communal showers were altered to form an ensuite officials’ room along with two ensuite team changing rooms. A major extension to the building provides a further four new ensuite team changing rooms. Now our six ensuite team changing rooms provide a suitable and safe environment for girls, boys and adults alike.

Biggar Rugby Football Club is in every sense a community club. Over the relatively short number of years it has existed it has integrated well into the life and fabric of the town of Biggar and the surrounding area. Reflecting this, members and players are drawn not only from Biggar itself but also from the towns and villages that make up the large rural area of Clydesdale and beyond. Throughout its catchment area, the club receives great support and sponsorship from residents and many elements of the business and farming communities.

The club has three adult teams, Girls’ teams at U12, U15 and U18, boys teams representing all secondary age children up to and including our colts and mixed primary school teams from P3 to P7. With our adult players and over 250 school age playing members, the club regularly has 10 to 12 matches to play each weekend at various clubs and locations throughout Scotland. This is made possible due to the dedication and efforts of a large number of coaches, parents, volunteers and helpers, without whom the club could not function as it does today.

The club employs a full time Development Officer who splits his time between promoting and improving rugby both within the club and the local community. Most of his community work involves delivering rugby based activities for school children. Each year he delivers sessions to over 1,000 primary school children in the Biggar and Lanark clusters and is now beginning to work with high school children.

Biggar Rugby Football Club benefits from a relaxed and welcoming environment. Adult and Colts train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and usually play on Saturdays. Secondary school children and girls train on Wednesday evenings and usually play on Sundays. Primary school girls and boys all train and play on Sundays. We have ladies training alongside the athletics club on a Monday evening and accommodate the football club on Tuesdays and Thursdays and they also play on Saturdays.

In addition we run a development academy and those that join and commit to developing their skills and fitness do additional sessions at the club both early morning and straight after school under the supervision of our Rugby Academy Manager

The club provides the use of its facilities from time to time for representatives from various other sports and leisure groups within the community, ranging from local schools, brownies and scouts to sports clubs such as athletics and cricket.

Whether you or your family wish to join our vibrant club, to play or to watch rugby at any age group or if you wish to use our facilities for some other sport or event, come along and talk to us.

You will always get a very warm welcome at Hartree Mill, Biggar.

Story date: 16/09/2011

Biggar RFC First XV

Here is a page for the1st XV to use.

Story date: 16/09/2011

Biggar RFC Second XV

This season 2014/15, Biggar 2nd XV will compete in the Edinburgh RESERVE LEAGUE 1. A good blend of experience and youth allows us to compete well with teams who have far greater resources.

The team is manged by John Bogle and Malcolm Bruce and if you would like to play or assist with the team please contact our Playing Convenor, Ian Notman 07899803916

Story date: 16/09/2011

Biggar RFC Third XV

Biggar would love to return to the days when a 3rd XV made regular appearances throughout the season. Recent seasons however have seen the 3rds or sometimes an Over-35's side limited to just a handful of occasions. Hopes are high however that we might manage something better this season. If you would like to play a game of social rugby then please contact Gordon Young on 07774678617

Story date: 16/09/2011

League

League tables are maintained on the SRU website,
click on the appropriate link to view the table.

Development Officer​ Andy Barnett 07834 600337

Membership

Biggar RFC operates and Open to All policy and welcomes new members from all sectors of the community

We accept members from 5 years upwards who can join our Mini section to those that have retired and want to assist and retain their links with our active club.

Our membership year runs from May to April and if you would like to find out more about the playing arrangements at the club or become a member please contact either Gordon Young on 07774678617 or via email at gy1680@aol.com or Nigel Pacey on 07714 713504.

If you would like to know a little more about our rugby programmes for Primary or Secondary school children please refer to our Mini and Midi pages under the "Teams" section or contact either Laura Watson for information about Primary School age children and Paula Yardley on 07830022447 for Secondary School aged children

Sponsors

Biggar Rugby Club is very grateful for the support it receives from all of its sponsors.

Sponsorship opportunities exist in the form of match and ball sponsorship as well as pitch side advertising banners and programme adverts

If you are interested in either sponsoring the club or promoting your company or business venture through Biggar Rugby Club, please do not hesitate to contact Gordon Young on 07774678617 or by email at gy1680@aol.com

To download a copy of our 2017 Brochure and find out more about Biggar RFC click on the link below